Donor Relations Specialist

The Donor Relations Specialist is a full time, exempt position at Real Change reporting to the Executive Director. The Donor Relations Specialist (DRS) is not a supervisory position, but may at times coordinate the work of volunteers and staff for scope-defined special events. The DRS is responsible for contribution to, and the execution of, a comprehensive, growth-oriented fundraising plan focused specifically on major donor cultivation and stewardship, individual giving, and events. Contributed income from these categories typically exceeds $800,000.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities:

Fund Development (75%)

• Manage Givebutter donor database through data entry and processing, report generation, and data analysis
• Generate reports regularly to track fundraising effectiveness
• Maintain and enhance institutional giving mechanisms, including workplace giving, peer-to-peer fundraising pages and car donations programs
• Keep abreast of industry trends and possible new revenue sources
• Expand Real Change’s 3,000+ individual donor base through donor development and increased mail and online giving
• Research potential individual donors, identify their interests and giving capacity, and build a prospect list
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors, including personalized communications, thank you notes and impact reports
• Work alongside our Marketing & Communications team to develop communications plans for individual fund drives and other fundraising opportunities
• Develop and implement donor recognition programs to acknowledge and appreciate donor contributions, such as special events, naming opportunities and honor rolls

Event Management (25%)

• ​Contribute to the planning and execution of Real Change’s annual fundraising event and community engagement events
• Plan and execute stewardship activities and events that promote donor retention and acquisition, such as donor house parties
• Promote fundraising events to potential attendees and provide acknowledgements and solicit feedback from event participants
• Analyze the success of fundraising events, including attendance, revenue generated, cost-efficiency, and feedback received, to inform future event planning

Required Skills

• Ability to bring an anti-oppressive lens to all parts of this work, with a willingness to keep an open mind and continually self-educate
• ​Understanding of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation strategies and stewardship techniques.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Computer proficiency with CRM databases (such as Givebutter and Monday.com) and other office technology (Google Suite, etc.).
• Ability to frame appeals and articulate organizational values and priorities in writing and orally.
• Excellent customer service in fostering donor relationships and other external communications.
• Strong time management & ability to communicate project progress and meeting deadlines with team members.
• Excellent ability to build rapport and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, including donors, volunteers, staff, and vendors. This includes active listening, empathy and genuine interest in others.
• Ability to handle the many details involved in event planning, from venue selection and catering to vendor management and registration.

This job description represents the minimum required level of performance necessary to be successful in the position and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of functions or responsibilities that are required of the role. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time, and does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.