The Philanthropy and Events Manager is responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing strategies for the organization’s annual fundraising campaigns and special events. This individual will work closely with the development and leadership teams to cultivate and sustain relationships with donors, ensure the successful planning and execution of events, and oversee all aspects of the annual giving program. The manager will also collaborate with communications staff to develop and enhance donor communications using storytelling and key data points, track fundraising progress, and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.

WORK LOCATION

This position is based in our Vancouver WA office and requires in-person work during the first 30 days of employment. After 30 days, employees may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule based on business needs and manager approval. Employees approved for a hybrid schedule are expected to work the majority of their work week in office.

JOB CONDITIONS

Fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional urgent situations. Regularly interacts with members of the public. Requires reliable transportation within the agency’s service area. Normal working hours not to exceed 40 hours a week, with occasional shifts to evening/weekend coverage as determined necessary by Council for the Homeless.

DEMANDS/COMPLEXITY

This position requires a high degree of complexity, self-direction, innovation, and problem-solving skills. Position requires strong relationships with CFTH staff and Board of Directors, funders, contractors, and community stakeholders. The individual in this role must be able to lift and carry materials related to events (e.g., decorations, event supplies) and must be able to stand, walk, and work for extended periods during events and at a desk.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS

Contacts are normally made with others both within the CFTH offices and outside the agency. They frequently contain confidential/sensitive information always necessitating discretion. 

ANNUAL GIVING DUTIES:

• Develop and implement an annual giving strategy that targets both new and existing donors.
• Oversee direct mail, digital campaigns including Give More 24, email outreach, and donor appeals to meet fundraising goals.
• Build event sponsorship packages and cultivate relationships with potential sponsors.
• Manage donor acknowledgements, segmentation, tracking, and recognition to enhance donor retention.
• Create and manage donor recognition programs to honor and celebrate giving.
• Analyze annual giving data to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and manage budgets for annual giving campaigns.
• Track expenses and revenue to ensure financial targets are met. 
• Analyze post-campaign results to determine return on investment and future strategies.

EVENT PLANNING AND COORDINATION DUTIES:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of special events such as fundraising gatherings, donor house parties, and donor appreciation events. 
• Lead the logistics planning for Project Homeless Connect and Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day and collaborate with staff and planning committees to execute the event.
• Lead the planning for educational events that are built into the annual calendar. Collaborate with staff to execute events.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, vendors, and contractors to ensure event logistics, budgets, timelines, and goals are met.
• Work with event volunteers to engage them in the process.
• Work with communications staff and contractors or vendors to ensure event promotions, marketing, and event collateral materials align with organizational branding.
• Develop and manage budgets for events.
• Track expenses and revenue to ensure financial targets are met for events.
• Analyze post-event outcomes to determine return on investment and future strategies.

DONOR STEWARDSHIP DUTIES:  

• Develop and implement strategies for donor engagement and retention, with a focus on new, low and mid-level donors, and sponsors. 
• Communicate with donors to share the impact of their contributions, including through thank-you letters, newsletters, and donor recognition events.
• Work with development staff to maintain a donor database and ensure timely and accurate tracking of donations, pledges, and gifts.

GENERAL DUTIES
Collaboration & Team Management:

• Work closely with the development team, executive leadership, and board members to align fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop compelling messaging and promotional materials.
• Support staff or volunteers assigned to annual giving and event efforts.
• Prepare and present regular reports on the success and impact of giving and events to senior leadership and the board.
• Engage with departments across the agency to understand homelessness and housing instability causes, solutions, and services.
• Demonstrate strong ethics and boundaries to foster organizational accountability.
• Comply consistently with agency standards and CFTH Agreements.
• Execute general administrative tasks effectively and in a timely manner. 

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to effectively oversee annual giving fundraising and events planning. Strong interpersonal skills are required to work with staff, donors, vendors, contractors, and clients from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of best practices in fundraising and event planning is essential for this position. Position requires computer and analytical skills to perform job functions. 

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate commitment to the mission and values of Council for the Homeless.
• Approach work through a trauma-informed lens that promotes safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and respect.
• Demonstrate understanding of and commitment to anti-racist, equity-centered practices.
• Value the expertise that comes from both professional and lived experience and recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in informing organizational decision-making.
• Foster inclusive, respectful, and collaborative working relationships.
• Approach challenges with curiosity and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrate patience, kindness, and flexibility when working with others.
• Maintain high standards of accountability, professionalism, and service.
• Support a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, compassion, and continuous improvement.
• Value stewardship of organizational resources and contribute to sustainable organizational practices.
• Recognize that meaningful work is accomplished through strong relationships, thoughtful communication, and shared responsibility.

MENTAL

Constant independent judgment and/or action, organizational skills, customer service, decision making, and use of discretion are required. Frequent teamwork, problem analysis, training and supporting others engaged in fundraising and events are required. Creativity and discretion is required. Applicant must read, speak, write and understand English to work effectively with staff, donors, vendors, contractors, and clients. Data entry and math skills are necessary to input data and generate reports necessary to fulfill job functions. 

PHYSICAL

Frequent physical activities are standing, walking, talking, sitting, and hearing/listening. Occasional physical activities are grasping, repetitive motions of hands/wrists and handling. Stooping, bending, and reaching are rarely required.

SUPERVISORY PARAMETERS

This position may supervise other staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree or certification in Nonprofit Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, Certification in Fundraising Excellence, or related field; can be substituted by work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in philanthropy and event management, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on donor stewardship.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, volunteers, and external partners.
• Knowledge of donor management software and event planning tools.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, for events as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and access to automobile required. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

• Experience with Bloomerang donor software, Greater Giving, Constant Contact, WordPress.
• Experience working with boards of directors and business community.
• Knowledge of local philanthropic community and potential sponsors.
• Supervision experience.

Candidates from Communities of Color, Veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and those who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community are highly encouraged to apply. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Criminal records satisfactory to the VHA are conditions of employment. The VHA will make inquiries with the Washington State Patrol (and/or other authorities) regarding these records and consider this information to be a vital aspect of the screening process.

SALARY DESCRIPTION

Starting salary is $34.32

In compliance with the WA Equal Pay & Opportunities Act, the full salary range for the position is $34.32 to $44.62. 

VHA/CFTH is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability status, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy status, political ideology, honorably discharged veteran, or military status.