Donor Relations Manager

Position Overview Under the supervision of the Advancement Officer, the Donor Relations Manager with the support of the Development and Marketing and Communications teams, will play a key role in creating and implementing strategies that raise funds and connect donors with ways to fulfill their philanthropic goals. The Donor Relations Manager will assist in developing and executing an annual plan to attract, retain, re-engage, and increase the support of individual donors. These efforts will help ensure Northeast Ohio residents who are blind and visually impaired have the tools and support to navigate a world designed for those with sight. We are seeking a dynamic development professional who is a self-starter, excellent communicator, team player and eager to make a difference in their community. Through the power of storytelling, building relationships, and compelling communications, the Donor Relations Manager will work closely with and report to the Advancement Officer to effectively steward, solicit and engage donors and funders. Essential Functions Raise $300,000+ by leading mass and targeted appeal efforts (approximately four per year), including creation, solicitation, and analysis of effectiveness. Develop compelling content for all mass and targeted donor relation communications that demonstrates donor impact and contributes to donor retention and increased giving. Qualify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of 50+ donors capable of giving $1,000+. Execute a moves management plan to move qualified donors from cultivation to solicitation in a timely manner and make personalized solicitations of qualified donors throughout the year. Connect with current and potential members of The Foresight Society, CSC’s planned giving society, to understand their current plans and suggest giving vehicle options that align with their legacy-planning goals. Donor Data & Insights Keep detailed notes of each meaningful interaction with donors. Upload notes to Raiser’s Edge NXT no later than 3-business days after the interaction. Utilize giving data insights to identify mid-level donors that should receive targeted stewardship and solicitation. Manage and track incoming bequests, communicating with all stakeholders including estate executors and CSC’s Fiscal team throughout the distribution process. Tailor messaging to various donor segments using data insights. Strategic Collaboration Work with supervisor and program and fiscal staff to gather information on agency-wide and departmental needs to prepare individual donor offers. Identify gaps in information, processes, and barriers to growth and work with Advancement Officer to develop solutions. Coordinate with Communications/Marketing team to plan and execute strategies for mass donor communication, ensuring unified messaging to donors across all platforms and in alignment with agency branding guidelines. Collaborate with program staff to gather impact stories to share with donors. Other Attend and assist with fundraising events like White Cane Walk, CSC’s largest annual fundraiser. Plan and execute fundraising team communications. Assist with corporate giving initiatives and external fundraisers. Give donor tours, attending funder meetings and participating in outside events as needed. Stay updated on giving trends and vehicles. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities The Donor Relations Manager is an innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. The position requires someone who demonstrates independence and initiative. However, ongoing collaboration within the Development team and with other departments is essential. The Donor Relations Manager must also be able to communicate CSC’s mission to a wide range of stakeholders, while discretely handling confidential information and maintaining high ethical standards for donor-centered fundraising. Specific experience and skills needed for the position include the following: Desired Experience Leading or supporting fundraising activities including annual fund campaigns, donor relations, or grant management, with proven results. Connecting with donors to learn about their interests and philanthropic goals with a demonstrated ability to close gifts of $5,000 or higher. Creating and managing donor communications, engagement plans, and donor recognition events. Experience with Raiser’s Edge. Proficiency in Windows-based computer software. Desired Skills Expertise in verbal and written communication, including strong editing and proofreading. Adept in organizational and project management, with precise attention to detail. Proficiency in financial, mathematical, and analytical skills. Ability to problem-solve and use sound judgment. Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines. Knowledge of planned giving vehicles. Preferred Qualifications Minimum of 3 years’ fundraising experience with an emphasis in annual fund and donor relations with proven results is preferred. Supervision Functions None Education and Experience Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cleveland Sight Center