Donor Relations Manager

Civil Beat is seeking a Donor Relations Manager to help the philanthropy team convert news readers to financial supporters. This position reports to the Director of Philanthropy and plays an essential role in communicating the value of Civil Beat to current and prospective donors.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, relationship-driven fundraiser who combines strong customer service with sharp technical skills to support sustainable revenue growth year over year.

Expectations:

• Provide exceptional customer service to Civil Beat donors and readers, including troubleshooting, donation processing and acknowledgement as well as general inquiries via office phone and email. 
• Establish strong relationships and a memorable first impression of Civil Beat with readers and donors to increase their level of engagement both online and in person.
• Craft donor-centered messaging, including but not limited to email appeals for individual support, talking points and call-to-action prompts, ensuring consistency across communications.
• Assist with developing innovative approaches to donor recruitment and retention, while maintaining regular ongoing tasks such as renewal outreach and payment failure reminders.
• Support the execution of three annual digital fundraising campaigns per year.
• Assist with maintaining a donor database, including gift entry, reporting and data cleanup. 
• Provide assistance with other administrative, community engagement and fundraising needs.

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years experience in fundraising operations.
• Background in donor-centered communications, fundraising strategy, and some technical knowledge of digital marketing practices and techniques.
• Eagerness to blend traditional fundraising practices with digital techniques.
• Proven track record of achieving revenue goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid relationship-building skills, able to communicate effectively on multiple platforms with external constituents and staff.
• Experience with fundraising database systems. Knowledge of Salesforce NPSP a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Understanding of news media and nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, 2-3 times per month.

We are willing to consider great candidates who may not have every skill on our checklist.

How we take care of our people:

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary that includes the following:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 100% healthcare premium coverage for employees, 75% coverage for dependents
• Fully vested 6% 401(k) match
• 30 days of paid time off each year
• Up to 12 weeks of paid family leave 
• Annual travel stipend to attend professional training and conferences

Location:

Our newsroom is located in Hawaiʻi on the island of Oʻahu.

Salary:

The final salary offer for this position will depend on experience and qualifications. The anticipated range for this role is between $60,000 - $70,000.



How to apply:

Send your cover letter and resume to View email address on click.appcast.io by June 1, 2026. We will review submissions on a rolling basis and accept new applicants until the position is filled.

About Civil Beat:

Civil Beat is an award-winning digital news nonprofit dedicated to accountability journalism in Hawaiʻi, and we believe that journalism can and should make a difference. That a vibrant news organization is vital to democracy. That we can improve the lives of people and inform public policy through solid, smart coverage.

Join us and help make a difference in Hawaiʻi.