Advancement Engagement Manager (Milwaukee)

Are you a relationship builder who wants your daily work to reflect a deep commitment to service and community? We are looking for a dedicated Advancement Engagement Manager to help carry the Sisters’ legacy forward. In this role, you will connect passionate donors, friends, and community partners with the mission and ministries of the congregation. If you possess a talent for storytelling, a heart for mission-driven work, and the skill to turn community support into long-term impact, we invite you to join our supportive team.

Summary:

The Advancement Communications Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating integrated fundraising communications that inspire donor engagement and philanthropic support for the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.

This position serves as the department's lead annual giving and donor communications strategist, overseeing direct mail fundraising, digital engagement, email marketing, social media, recurring giving, donor societies communications, and multichannel fundraising campaigns. The Advancement Communications Manager develops donor-centered communications that deepen relationships, increase donor retention, acquire new supporters, and generate annual fund revenue.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Communications: Project management of all direct mail efforts, ensuring appeals are effectively executed accurately. Maintain social media content & calendar, conduct multi-channel solicitations, track actions and segmented appeals for donors, and assist in content creation for website and magazine.

Mid-Level Donor Cultivation: Focus on building relationships with mid-level and recurring donors for your portfolio. Promote and track giving societies. Help create solicitation strategies for mid-level donors that encourage increased giving.

Donor Segmentation Strategy: Develop communication strategies and segments for fundraising campaigns, annual and planned giving appeals, special events, and social media. Collaborate with Director in mailing list and pipeline management.

Portfolio Management: Identify and qualify potential donors through prospect research. Ensure accurate database practices for portfolio management, Society management and Special Events.

Stewardship & Special Events: Engage in targeted donor outreach. Assist with special fundraising events and donor recognition events. Collaborate with Donor Stewardship Specialist ensuring proper planning, execution, and follow-up.

Reporting & Analysis: Generate internal reports, providing insights on donor behavior to enhance fundraising strategies.

Other Responsibilities: Strategize with the Director of Advancement on annual fundraising goals, pipeline development, annual appeal schedules, donor premiums, and tracking of giving societies and other targeted donor groups. Utilize analytics to refine and improve strategies and identify opportunities for engaging donors.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Business or related field. Two or more years in a nonprofit fundraising or marketing role, with strong project management and annual giving experience. Familiarity with donor CRM systems like Raiser’s Edge/NXT. Previous experience in a faith-based organization, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and online platforms are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· Strong fundraising copywriting and storytelling skills.

· Excellent project management and organizational abilities.

· Knowledge of direct response fundraising principles and donor-centered communications.

· Understanding of the Donor Bill of Rights / commitment to ethical fundraising

· Strong understanding of audience segmentation and donor lifecycle management.

· Self-motivated, and ability to make independent decisions as appropriate.

· Must be able to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

· Basic knowledge of faith-based organizations a plus

· Curious about learning and applying the latest techniques in direct mail and multi-channel fundraising.

· Keeps up to date with current trends and issues in fundraising strategy and donor relations.