Donor Relations Specialist

Donor Relations Specialist

The Donor Relations Specialist serves as the primary contact for donor inquiries and requests with a focus on cultivating donor relationships, assisting in the implementation of strategies for new donor acquisition, and ensuring quality donor interactions, as well as performing other routine functions for the Development department, including processing donations, troubleshooting donor requests, and maintaining donor records. It is crucial that this position supports the mission and values of It Is Written by exemplifying the values and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in all interactions.

Authority & Accountability:

Authority as delegated by and accountable to the Associate Director of Development in accordance with It Is Written's policies and objectives.

Essential Position Functions:

• Assist the Associate Director of Development in the planning and implementation of strategies for new donor acquisition.
• Monitor donor giving patterns and identify opportunities to improve engagement of donors.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in donor communication and interactions, and assist in implementation.
• Attend It Is Written events, as requested, with a focus on cultivating donor relationships.
• Work closely with the donor database software vendor, currently Raiser's Edge, to troubleshoot issues and seek resolution.
• Respond promptly to donor inquiries and requests by answering phone calls and monitoring email, text, and other communication channels.
• Maintain and update donor information in the database ensuring accuracy of donor records.
• Maintain donor confidentiality and privacy of information at all times.
• Process donations from donors and ensure timely and accurate gift tracking and acknowledgments.
• Prepare necessary paperwork and documentation for delivery to Accounting/Treasury.
• Participate in opening and sorting daily mail, balancing each batch of mail with appropriate documentation, and entering batches into the database under the proper donor file.
• Assist in executing donor stewardship plans, ensuring donors are recognized and kept informed of the organization's impact.
• Collaborate with other team members to maintain department documents, instruction manuals, process improvements, and inter-departmental reminders.
• Assist on-site donors with inquiries, needs, or to take and process donations.
• Support donor retention efforts by organizing and coordinating donor recognition initiatives and personalized communications.
• Be available to meet in person for Development team meetings, project meetings, and in collaboration with team members from other departments.
• Maintain inter-departmental communication in regards to donor records in collaboration with other departments.
• Perform daily responsibilities in accordance with the Development department Policies and Procedures book.
• Provide telephone support to various departments as needed to ensure prompt and professional response to incoming calls.
• Fulfill other related responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Position Specifications:

• Qualifications, Scope, and Complexity of duties:
• Education:
• High school diploma, or equivalent, is required.
• Bachelor's degree in related field is preferred.
• Experience:
• Preferred: Three (3) years of experience in development, philanthropy, or fundraising, with a focus on donor relations.
• Membership and Mission:
• Embrace the mission and values of It Is Written and be a member in good standing of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• Skills, scope, and complexity of duties:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Suite.
• Proficient in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge, which is the current donor database software, is preferred.
• Enjoys and is adept at serving donors through a variety of communication methods (e.g. phone, email, text, and in-person).
• Ability to multitask with excellent time-management skills.
• Possess tact and discretion with a keen eye for accuracy and be detail-oriented.
• Must be empathetic toward donors and have an honest and service-oriented attitude.
• Needs to be a self-starter who can demonstrate flexibility and good judgment while being a team player.
• Understand or be willing to receive training on a continual basis.
• Able to exhibit Christ-like behavior in daily tasks, collaborative projects, and under stress.
• Interpersonal Relationships:
• At It Is Written :
• President
• Manager/Treasurer
• Director of Marketing and Development
• Associate Director of Development
• Development staff
• General office staff
• Outside of It Is Written:
• It Is Written customers, donors, vendors, guests and volunteers.
• Working Conditions:
• General working conditions of an office.
• Occasional moderate to high stress levels due to meeting critical deadlines.
• Prolonged sitting, computer viewing, and repetitive motion from keyboard & mouse use.
• Specific Requirements :
• Hourly, 38 regular hours per week.
• May require variable hours and weekend work.
• No special clothing or safety gear required.
• Business casual attire required.