Donor Relations Officer

Job Summary:

The Donor Relations Officer is part of the Development and Donor Relations (DDR) external fundraising team responsible for developing and strengthening long-term relationships on behalf of the California Community Foundation (CCF) with key donors, prospects, and fund advisors, including leading one-on-one consultations, advising on best practices in philanthropic giving, and strategically adding value to the CCF donor experience through aligned giving opportunities. This position requires an individual who can prioritize and multi-task while maintaining a high level of client service. It also requires an individual who can identify and offer solutions to isolated and systemic problems.

Pertinent Information:

This is an in-office position for the first 100 days. Requires in-office work five (5) days per week. Following the first 100 days, staff have the flexibility to work two (2) days remotely. Mandatory in-office workdays are Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Only applicants who reside in California and submit a cover letter will be considered.

CCF IS A MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION EMPLOYER

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Donor and Prospect Outreach & Engagement: Proactively and systemically develops and strengthens long-term relationships with an assigned portfolio of existing donors, prospects, and fund advisors. Conducts outreach, advisory and relations activities with the end goal of establishing CCF as the preferred philanthropic vehicle in addition to cultivating donors with high potential to align with CCF priority giving areas. Collaborates with other department members to leverage opportunities, build awareness, develop value-added engagement, and facilitate meaningful engagement experiences for donors.

Philanthropic Stewardship: Advises donors as they build a giving plan and philosophy, by assisting in the development of a meaningful vision, offering information on best practices in giving. Provides guidance, structure, and high-touch support to implement donors grantmaking projects or programs.

Fundraising: Responsible for contributing to the CCF established annual fundraising goals as an individual contributor. Develops and manages the implementation of individualized strategies and plans for top donors and prospects. Fundraising metrics include contributions, legacy gifts and aligned giving to CCF initiatives and focus areas. Serves as a “moves manager” for a portfolio of assigned donor fund holders.

Project Management: Participates as an integral member of interdepartmental teams for the purpose of increasing legacy, discretionary and aligned giving from foundation donors and prospects. This includes co- leading, in partnership with CCF’s grantmaking team(s), the development of fundraising strategies, messaging and metrics, as well as donor solicitation, events and evaluation. Assigned partnership with grantmaking teams may include but are not limited to the following subject areas: education, immigration, health, youth development, and housing.

Mission Orientation: Passionate and fluent in describing the trends, challenges and solutions addressed within the foundation’s key areas of grantmaking. Stays current on developments affecting low-income and vulnerable populations in greater Los Angeles, with particular focus to education, immigrant integration, health, housing and youth development issues. Skilled at connecting funders to opportunities to achieve positive social change in these areas and others, while simultaneously achieving the donor’s vision.

Fund and Grants Management: Understands and can speak to the laws and regulations affecting charitable grantmaking, particularly from donor advised and scholarship funds as well as supporting organizations. Proficient in the use of the foundation’s internal and external constituent and grants management technologies.

General: As appropriate, assists other departments and works as a member of interdepartmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of CCF. At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with supervisors and coworkers. Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Maintains confidentiality and sensitivity at all times.
• Provides high level of customer service and support across the Foundation.
• Supports relationship building through scheduling and meeting Follow-up
• Supports the DDR department with administrative support
• Supports other duties as assigned by Management.

Teamwork/Customer Relations Responsibilities

• Establishes effective working relations with cross functional team(s).
• Contributes to a high performing/positive team culture.
• Shares knowledge, time, and expertise to assist other members of team.
• Timely and accurately responds to requests and inquiries from across Foundation.
• Demonstrates “can do” attitude as priorities shift.

Job Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Advanced level degree in a field related to sales/fundraising is preferred.
• Work Experience:
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in a donor relations, alumni relations or similar setting preferred. Experience in major gift solicitation with a proven track record in strategizing the solicitation of high-level donors.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge of Philanthropic Practices: Strong knowledge of grantmaking processes and the nonprofit community in Los Angeles County.

Project Management Skills: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize work and adjust to multiple demands. Demonstrated ability to follow tasks through to completion in a timely manner.

Teamwork and General Skills: Ability to work well independently and as team member. Ability to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion.

Communication and Relationship Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills. Superior and proven customer services skills. Ability to secure the confidence of top donors and prospects through long-term relationship building activities to facilitate contributions to donor funds and CCF initiatives.

Problem Solving: Ability to analyze and constantly improve on grantmaking, operations and other systems.

Technology Skills: Internet competency and strong computer proficiency, including mastery of the Microsoft Office software suite and a familiarity with database software, is required. Experience with client management databases is preferred. Willingness and ability to learn appropriate database, spreadsheet and other computer programs.

Working Conditions:

• Requires the ability to sit and work at a desk for several hours at a time.
• Requires the ability to travel and attend meetings, presentations and events outside the office, which may require occasional use of a motor vehicle for transportation to other locations. Due to the nature of external appointments and/or responsibilities requiring travel to locations not easily accessible by public transportation, driving is an essential job responsibility for this position.
• This position is required to be available to speak with clients and/or others while away from the office and/or with clients and/or others located in other time zones outside Foundation business hours.
• Work may require weekends and/or extended workday.
• Punctuality and satisfactory attendance are essential functions of the job.