Donor Relations Manager

Donor Relations Manager

At KidsQuest, we believe meaningful relationships are built through curiosity, connection, and a lot of play. We're looking for a proactive, people-centered Donor Relations Manager who loves building relationships, uncovering opportunities, and helping supporters see the impact of their generosity.

As a key member of the Development team, you'll have autonomy to create exceptional donor experiences through stewardship, donor engagement, and data management. The Donor Relations Manager completes our Development Team of three, joining our Partnerships & Events Manager and Director of Development & Marketing to strengthen donor relationships, grow philanthropic support, and help us build excitement for KidsQuest's next chapter. The Development Team works closely with our CEO and has support from the Marketing Team for graphic design and advertising. The Donor Relations Manager is critical in fostering a culture of gratitude and philanthropy, ensuring donors feel connected to the children, families, and communities they help inspire through the power of play.

At KidsQuest, we value curiosity, collaboration, and learning. We encourage you to join us as we experiment, reflect, and grow together.

Job status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $37.50-$40.50 per hour

Position Reports To: Director of Development & Marketing

Work Week: 38hrs per week, Monday-Friday, Hybrid – 1 to 2 days in office

Some weekends, evenings, special events, and additional in-office days are required throughout the year.

Benefits Highlight:

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Offered
• Starting at 13 days of Paid Time Off and 8 days of Wellness
• Paid Holidays, including 2 floating Holidays
• 401(K) Matching Savings Plan
• Transit Pass

Responsibilities and Duties

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management (40%)

• Map the full scope of KidsQuest supporter relationships, manage donor data in the CRM, and take ownership of donor stewardship activities.
• Execute and create structure around donor stewardship activities, including timely donor acknowledgment, recognition of gifts, and gift processing with finance. Develop and own donor communication matrix and calendar.
• Monitor donor engagement and giving trends to identify cultivation and stewardship opportunities.
• Contribute to strategic planning for Development, defining distinct donor audiences (members, individuals, etc) and pipelines for each
• Maintain meaningful relationships with donors, prospects, sponsors, and community supporters. Opportunity to develop and manage a portfolio of ~50 donors and prospects
• Support the Director of Development & Marketing and CEO in donor management activities.
• Partner with the Development Team to define, manage, and ultimately own a portfolio or ~50 donors and prospects

Prospect Research & Fundraising Support (25%)

• Conduct donor and prospect research to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospective supporters.
• Prepare donor profiles, briefing materials, and research reports for leadership and fundraising activities.
• Conduct pre- and post-event donor research to support cultivation efforts, brief leadership and team as needed.
• Support the Director of Development & Marketing and CEO with capital campaign activities as needed.
• In collaboration with the Development Team, craft strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades.
• Support the Partnerships & Events Manager with donor-facing elements of event logistics and guest experiences including registration and follow-up stewardship (BizQuest, Imagination Celebration, etc)
• Attend occasional evening and weekend fundraising events, donor functions, and community activities.

CRM & Donor Data Management (25%)

• Maintain accurate donor records, gift information, pledges, and constituent data within the donor database. Capture and record all donor relationship updates from leadership.
• Collaborate with Development Team and System Administrator, to support implementation and rollout of new donor CRM systems and processes.
• Create and maintain donor management tools and systems, including reports, communication plans, tracking tools, and stewardship workflows.
• Coordinate regular donor strategy and data review meetings with key internal stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)

• Further understanding of KidsQuest's philanthropic work with staff and donors
• Work with Marketing, Education, Visitor Services, and other departments to support fundraising initiatives and donor engagement opportunities.
• Support Board and volunteer fundraising activities as assigned.
• Participate in Development team meetings, planning efforts, and support grant writing and management as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience and Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years of experience in non-profit fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit development, customer relationship management, or a related field
• Ability to adapt communication to diverse audiences and stakeholders including, but not limited to, donors, corporate representatives, funder, public officials, teens, children and parents
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse perspectives and communities.
• Strong prospect research and donor cultivation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor database systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and relationship-building abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications or similar.
• Ability to travel locally to donor meetings, community events, museum functions, and other events as needed.

Preferred

• Experience working in a nonprofit, museum, education, or family-focused organization.
• Experience leading CRM implementation
• Experience supporting major gifts, annual giving, or capital campaigns.
• Familiarity with donor management platforms such as Humanitru.

Candidates are welcome to submit a work sample with their application that demonstrates approach, thought process, and strategy. Samples may include examples of donor communications, prospect research, stewardship plans, or other prior work.

To serve the best interest of museum patrons, for this role, KQCM will:

• Conduct a criminal background check on all prospective employees.
• Require proof of immunizations (TdaP, MMR, and Varicella) within thirty days of employment

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. KidsQuest Children's Museum will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future and will not transfer sponsorship for employment visa status for this role.

Why Work for KidsQuest

• Be part of a mission driven organization that creates learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world.
• Join a collaborative, creative, and inclusive workplace that values curiosity, respect, and continuous growth.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

KidsQuest Children's Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We acknowledge that many of us live and work on the land of the Coast Salish people and honor their ongoing stewardship.