Philanthropic Engagement Manager

Job Description

Job Description

By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region's most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It's more than a day job - it's a mission! Come work with us!The Philanthropic Engagement Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of United Way of Greater St. Louis by building and strengthening relationships with major donors and prospects. This position focuses on engaging individuals capable of giving $10,000 or more, proactively developing a robust donor pipeline, and aligning donor passions with United Way's strategic community impact priorities. The Manager will directly solicit gifts, guide donors across the philanthropic continuum, and partner closely with the Director of Major Gifts to deepen philanthropic investment in United Way's programs and services. General Responsibilities: Strategy and CollaborationStrengthen and implement donor engagement strategies aimed at expanding the base of major donors at the $10,000+ giving level.Collaborate with the Director of Major Gifts, Annual Campaign team, and other internal partners to coordinate donor touchpoints, share insights, and streamline stewardship efforts.Participate in cross-functional planning sessions to align philanthropic strategies with organizational priorities, campaigns, and community needs.Support the development of messaging, cases for support, and donor materials that articulate the value and impact of United Way's services. CultivationManage and grow a dedicated portfolio of current and prospective major donors, with individualized strategies for engagement and solicitation.Conduct regular one-on-one conversations, in-person visits, and virtual meetings to build trust-based donor relationships.Develop deep understanding of donor motivations, community priorities, and personal philanthropic goals to match them with meaningful giving opportunities.Create and execute multi-step cultivation plans tailored to each donor, ensuring timely follow-up and continuous connection.  ProspectingIdentify and qualify new prospects through research, networking, referrals, and community engagement.Build a disciplined, strategic prospect pipeline with clear movement goals and documentation.Conduct a minimum of 200 meaningful donor and prospect meetings annually, demonstrating consistent outreach and portfolio management discipline.Partner with the Research team and colleagues to identify trends and new opportunities for donor engagement. SolicitationLead direct and strategic solicitations for gifts of $10,000+, preparing customized proposals, presentations, and impact materials.Implement annual donor renewal strategies for existing major donors, strengthening long-term commitment to United Way.Collaborate with senior leaders and volunteer ambassadors, when appropriate, to execute high-impact solicitations.Ensure all donor commitments are accurately documented and stewarded in accordance with United Way's gift policies. Philanthropic Services & EducationEducate donors and prospects on United Way's Donor Advised Fund (DAF) services, planned giving opportunities, and tax-smart philanthropic strategies.Maintain a working knowledge of charitable giving vehicles and collaborate with external advisors (when appropriate) to support donor decision-making.Serve as a trusted philanthropic resource who can clearly communicate the benefits and community impact of various giving models. Communications and EventsRepresent United Way at key donor, corporate, civic, and community events-with occasional evening and weekend commitments.Assist with donor event planning, including cultivation gatherings, DAF education sessions, or stewardship receptions.Serve as a professional ambassador-confidently articulating United Way's mission, services, and community outcomes. Goal Setting, Reporting, and AccountabilityIn partnership with the Director of Major Gifts, establish annual fundraising goals and portfolio objectives aligned with organizational performance targets.Maintain meticulous data entry within the CRM, ensuring timely documentation of meetings, outcomes, next steps, and donor movement.Provide regular progress reports and pipeline updates to support teamwide forecasting and strategic planning.Track and evaluate personal metrics to ensure consistent progress toward individual and departmental goals. Key AccountabilitiesSecure and grow major gifts of $10,000+ and increase commitments to United Way's philanthropic services (e.g., Donor Advised Funds).Proactively manage, cultivate, and expand a portfolio of qualified major donors and prospects.Conduct at least 200 meaningful donor and prospect meetings annually.Develop new relationships and pathways to identify and convert prospective major donors.Strengthen United Way's visibility by engaging with diverse networks, attending community events, and representing the organization in philanthropic circles. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities3-5 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, relationship-based philanthropy, or philanthropic advising.Bachelor's degree required; focus in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related fields preferred.Familiarity with charitable giving tools such as Donor Advised Funds, planned giving strategies, or tax-favorable giving options (preferred but not required).Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/database systems; ability to analyze metrics and use data to guide strategy.Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build trust and long-term relationships.High integrity and sound judgment, with a commitment to donor-centered philanthropy and confidentiality.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, performance-driven environment.Self-directed, proactive, and adept at meeting deadlines with a high level of professionalism.We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a hybrid work schedule, 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family beginning the first of the month after employment, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization match and 3-year vesting schedule. Employment is contingent upon passing a background check. United Way of Greater St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.