Donor Relations Manager

Iowa Public Radio (IPR) is an independent and trusted source for news and information, and the state’s largest non-profit radio news service. Our successful Development Department is seeking a Donor Relations Manager to cultivate, steward and grow the number of donors making significant gifts to the organization. This position’s primary purpose is to secure funds for the organization by fulfilling the interests and passions of donors by providing them with giving opportunities, encouraging them to give and assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement. This is a hybrid position working out of our Iowa City office.

IPR offers an excellent benefits package, including health benefits, a retirement plan with a 2-to-1 employer match, immediate accrual of vacation (16 hours monthly) and sick (12 hours monthly) time and a flexible work environment.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $61,800 - $82,400 per year

KE Y RESPONSIBILITIES

• Qualify a caseload of 150 donors.
• Create and manage individual goals for each person on the caseload.
• Build relationships with donors and ask people for contributions of $5k and above.
• Create a plan for each donor that is driven by that donor’s passions and interests and communication preferences and execute that plan.
• Secure appropriate project information, including budgets, and create offers, proposals and asks to donors.
• Create monthly reports on caseload progress.
• Perform other major donor activities as required by management.
• Identify opportunities to increase IPR’s visibility in the community.
• Manage and attend events.
• Position requires some evening hours and 20% travel with emphasis on Eastern Iowa.

  PERFORMANCE WILL BE MEASURED BY

• Qualifying and disqualifying donors: including appropriate documentation.
• Achieving overall agreed-upon revenue goal based on individual donor goals.
• Retention and upgrading of donors: including cultivation of transformational gifts.
• Development of a personal contact and ask plan, that takes into account the individual donor’s interests, motivations, giving patterns and ask and communication preferences.
• Securing project and organization information and creating and writing effective offers, proposals and asks. Regular and timely reporting back to the donor.
• Creating timely reports that reflect caseload performance.
• Management of people, process, deadlines and budget while adhering to the policies and procedures of the organization.
• How well you get along with peers, subordinates and management and maintain a positive and constructive attitude while solving problems. Being a team player and protecting the mission, goals and values of the organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

If you don’t meet every qualification outlined below but are intrigued by this position and feel you could be a good fit, we’d still like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in development, marketing and/or communications.
• Experience with mid-level or major giving work with individual donors.
• Experience working in Raisers’ Edge, Salesforce, or another relationship database.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate tact, patience and courtesy.
• Ability to listen actively and think analytically.
• Flexible and comfortable with change.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Willingness to work some evening hours and to travel throughout Iowa as needed.
• A valid state-issued driver’s license and reliable transportation.

  APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Apply through the position link on the IPR website .

For full consideration, applications must include:

• Cover letter or narrative detailing how your experience compares to the duties, qualifications, and functions for this position.
• Resume .

Employment at Iowa Public Radio is dependent upon successful completion of a criminal background check including a driving record review and reference checks.

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026.

OUR VALUES:

• Integrity : We maintain the highest standards of journalism, providing trustworthy and relevant content with meaningful context.

• Curiosity : We serve an inquisitive audience by asking questions, seeking knowledge, and exploring new ideas.

• Belonging : We strive to reflect Iowa’s cultural complexity by offering a supportive, equitable space for individuals and communities to tell the stories unique to their lived experiences.

• Respect : We create a culture of respect for our audience, sources, and staff.

• Innovation : We support creativity and embrace new ways of serving our audience.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Iowa Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, please notify the appropriate local, state or federal agency.