Specialist, Annual Giving Officer- Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

APTA • Alexandria, VA

122d

About The Position

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented fundraising professional to lead annual giving and donor engagement efforts. Reporting to the Development Manager, the Specialist plays a key role in cultivating a broad base of support through strategic campaigns, stewardship, and donor-centered events — and serves as the lead staff for the Foundation’s annual student-led fundraising initiative. This position collaborates closely with the Communications team and the Data Specialist to drive donor acquisition, retention, and growth. The ideal candidate is highly organized, passionate about building relationships, and comfortable using data and insights to guide strategy and deepen donor engagement.

Requirements

• Some college; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 2–4 years of fundraising and/or event planning experience
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience with donor databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred)
• Analytical mindset and passion for mission-driven work
• Comfortable using AI tools to streamline donor communications, analyze giving trends, and enhance overall fundraising efficiency.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with fundraising trends and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-channel annual giving campaigns and appeals (email, direct mail, digital, phone)
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects with capacity to annually give up to $5,000
• Use segmentation, screening data, and CRM data to personalize outreach to key audiences, such as funded researchers, to deepen engagement and broaden support for the Foundation.
• Collaborate with Communications on appeals, collateral design, event signage, stewardship content, and surveys.
• Analyze campaign performance and refine strategies based on data insights
• Develop and implement stewardship strategies to retain and upgrade annual donors, including personalized outreach, recognition, and impact reporting.
• Co-lead digital fundraising campaigns in partnership with Communications, including Giving Tuesday, year-end and lapsed donor appeals, social media-driven initiatives, and e-news content.
• Develop and implement engagement strategies for students and recent graduates, including the Marquette Challenge
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop content for student-facing platforms, including email, social media, and digital toolkits
• Share the impact of Foundation-funded initiatives and present meaningful ways for faculty and students (virtual and in-person) to engage with and support the student-led grassroots campaign.
• Partner with association staff to align campaigns with student member interests and ensure messaging is tailored for student channels
• Draft agendas and lead meetings with faculty advisors and student coordinators that lead the fundraiser. Provide guidance, share updates, and strengthen relationships.
• Support volunteer fundraisers, including student coordinators.
• Lead event strategy and donor-facing elements for fundraising events and conferences
• Collaborate with the Development & Operations Associate on venue research and logistical coordination
• Manage stewardship of corporate donors (up to $5,000) and all event sponsorships; develop tailored proposals, ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits, and coordinate with communications staff to deliver branded assets, recognition, and promotional content.
• Develop sponsorship proposals and steward corporate event sponsors
• Coordinate workplace giving and matching gift initiatives

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Generous retirement contributions
• Travel subsidies for employees who choose public and active transportation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree