Reporting to the Alumni & Donor Relations Director, the Annual Giving Manager is a full-time position primarily responsible for the execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program. This role is crucial to building a culture of philanthropy at NOLS and to expanding the pipeline of major gift donors and prospects, building an annual giving program focused on acquisition and retention, leading to an annual fundraising goal of $3M+. This role will coordinate and help shape the strategies around annual giving solicitations, including the selection of appropriate channels, target populations, and messaging, with a goal of continued growth.

At its core, this position is project management and data analysis, providing the Advancement team with continuous updates on appeal planning, status, and timelines; working with vendors, internal team members, and the Alumni & Donor Relations Director on implementing the annual appeal calendar across multiple channels; providing metrics and reporting for each complete appeal, analyzing data on year over year performance, and tracking metrics to goals; and thinking creatively about new appeals, segments, and data points in conjunction with the Alumni & Donor Relations Director.

This position requires a high degree of judgment, responsibility, organization, collaboration, and management. Implementing effective written and oral communication skills is essential. The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work across multiple departments, and meet continuous deadlines is a must. 

Your Potential for Impact:

• Assist with the creation, implementation, and execution of an annual giving appeal calendar that includes print and digital outreach, focusing on solicitations, stewardship, and retention.
• Focus on effective communication and solicitation activities within specific segments identified as having potential for the greatest growth opportunities. 
• Identify needed platforms/third-party vendors to maximize revenue, especially for Giving Tuesday and a planned, inaugural NOLS Gives day.
• Partner with donor engagement and Advancement communications to create and implement stewardship and engagement plans for annual giving donors, including events, written communications, and other recognition.
• Manage annual faculty and staff giving initiatives.
• Retrieve, analyze, and track appeal data to determine the best channel(s) for meeting philanthropic goals and managing costs.
• Assemble content and copy for annual giving appeals and work with communications for review, approval, and calendar coordination.
• Regularly report on appeal performance. 
• Work effectively with the major gifts team and other Advancement staff to increase participation in annual giving at all levels of the school, including board/advisory council members and school-wide directors, and build strategies for moving donors to higher giving levels. 
• Supervise vendor relations specific to annual fund operations.
• Maintain knowledge of CSM software and current and evolving solicitation trends, including analytics and social media platforms. Utilize Hubspot to craft compelling email marketing campaigns.
• Field inquiries regarding funding opportunities at NOLS and ensure proper and timely follow-up.
• Assist with other projects as assigned.

The above duties should not be considered an exhaustive list; other responsibilities may be required.

Who Will Succeed in This Role:

The Annual Giving Manager should effectively represent NOLS’ mission and philosophy, and embrace diversity as a strategic advantage.

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in fundraising, annual giving, sales, or a related field
• Strong project and time management skills with a demonstrated ability to work on several projects simultaneously 
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Strong  communication skills and  ability to work with and motivate staff  and volunteers
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Demonstrated ability to make thoughtful decisions while identifying the needs of donors
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to be both proactive and responsive in a metrics driven environment
• Ability to handle sensitive information discretely and maintain confidentiality
• Appreciation for the adoption of new technology to enhance workflow and ability to learn new platforms quickly
• Flexibility and adaptability to evolve programming in an emerging and changing environment
• Experience with a donor database (Raiser’s Edge, D365) and CRM systems
• Personal computer proficiency, especially Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Budget management skills

Position Details:

This is a full-time, remote or hybrid, benefited role, with a salary range of $50,000 – $55,000. Preference is for applicants in the Rocky Mountain West who are legal residents of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah.  NOLS can currently employ remote employees who are legal residents of: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. Please note not all locations in all states listed are eligible. For specific locations please reach out to the recruiter listed below in the ‘How to Apply’ section. 

This position is eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution, and more.

How to Apply:

Send cover letter and résumé to: Melissa Carrera, Alumni & Donor Relations Director,, at [email protected].

Closing Date For Applications:

Open until filled

Starting Date:

The target start date for this role is two weeks from the time of offer 

Additional Information:

About Us:

The Advancement office is a small but mighty team of kind, compassionate adventurers who prioritize working hard and playing harder! We seek experienced Advancement professionals to grow our team in anticipation of a capital campaign–please read on to see if you might be a good fit

NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) is a nonprofit global wilderness school that supports thousands of students each year all over the world.  Our school began in a small cabin in Sinks Canyon, Wyoming in 1965 as the National Outdoor Leadership School. At that time, we were primarily an outdoors skills school, doing our work in local mountain ranges and exploring what it meant to teach leadership in the backcountry. Today, we are NOLS, a multifaceted wilderness school headquartered in Lander, Wyoming with locations in seven U.S. states and six countries, that supports thousands of students each year all over the world in both field & classroom courses.

Pre-Employment Check:

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.
• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.
• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact human resources. 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited

Reasonable Accommodation:

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email [email protected] with your request.