Donor and Volunteer Specialist

Description

Connect People. Build Community. Change Lives.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

The Donor and Volunteer Specialist plays a key role in advancing Aspire’s philanthropy efforts through donor stewardship, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. This role supports gift processing and acknowledgments, donor database integrity, financial reconciliation, and reporting while leading the development and coordination of meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across philanthropy, programs, finance, and marketing, the Specialist builds relationships with donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community organizations. This role also supports third-party fundraising initiatives that empower Aspire’s partners and supporters to raise funds and advance our mission.

What You’ll Do

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Actively manage a portfolio of approximately 50-60 constituents , including corporations involved in volunteer activities and civic organizations.
• Support donor stewardship through calls, outreach, and personalized stewardship materials.
• Monitor incoming monetary contributions and identify potential opportunities for cultivation and relationship-building, coordinating research with the HR/Philanthropy Coordinator.
• Collaborate with the Director, Annual Giving, to develop annual acknowledgment letters, appeals, Giving Tuesday materials, and related stewardship pieces.
• Partner with the Marketing team to create donor communications and stewardship initiatives , including social media content.
• Work with Aspire program leadership to identify gift-in-kind needs and coordinate in-kind contributions throughout the year.
• Coordinate with the HR/Philanthropy Coordinator to ensure accurate information sharing for gift entry and acknowledgments .

Volunteer Relations

• Develop and drive volunteer-related goals , policies, procedures, plans, and execution of events.
• Assess organizational needs for volunteer events in collaboration with program directors and leaders.
• Recruit, screen, train, place, schedule, and supervise volunteers and volunteer events.
• For volunteer related events, collaborate with colleagues in the philanthropy team to initiate and cultivate relationships with all constituents including board members, corporate partners, and community-based organizations.
• Develop and implement 2+ volunteer opportunities for individuals in collaboration with the programs team.
• Collaborate with philanthropy team members regarding special event (Gala, Marathon, etc.) volunteer needs and recruit, train/onboard, and steward those volunteers needed.
• Ensure volunteers have positive and rewarding experiences .
• Maintain all volunteer records and collaborate with the Philanthropy Coordinator for accurate input into the CRM database (Virtuous) of all volunteer relationship-building and events.
• Provide consistent and clear communication with volunteers both pre-, during, and post-events.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to recognize and include volunteer events and successes in digital and print pieces, including social media, the impact report, and appeals.
• Provide accurate reporting and updates of volunteer activities to the philanthropy team and involved leadership pre- and post-events
• Communicate clearly with team members on the volunteer(s) role and execution of those needs.

Database Support & Stewardship

• Process gifts and coordinate acknowledgments in accordance with organizational policies and procedures , including oversight of Aspire’s multiple giving platforms.
• Collaborate with the HR/Philanthropy Coordinator to maintain CRM accuracy, integrity, and overall data health .
• Reconcile gift reports with the Finance department monthly.
• Prepare reports and mailing lists for team members.
• Support ongoing CRM implementation and maintain or update database organization rules, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide basic training and support to team members to help them use the CRM effectively and efficiently.

Third Party Fundraising

• Develop and strengthen third-party fundraising opportunities that empower Aspire partners and supporters to host externally managed events and fundraisers benefiting Aspire.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for external partners hosting fundraising events, providing guidance and representing Aspire at partner-led initiatives.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Provide regular updates to the Director, Annual Giving, on project status, progress, and performance against goals.
• Build relationships with community and business leaders, family members, board members, and other stakeholders to promote Aspire’s mission, vision, and strategic needs .
• Recommend and participate in developing and implementing team goals, objectives, and systems that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Philanthropy team.
• Promote a positive culture aligned with Aspire’s shared values in all interactions with stakeholders.
• Participate in professional development to expand knowledge and skills.
• Assist with special events and complete additional projects as assigned.

Who You Are

• A relationship-builder who develops trust and meaningful connections with donors, volunteers, colleagues, and community partners.
• An engaging communicator with strong verbal, presentation, and written communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate Aspire’s mission, vision, values, and strategic needs.
• Financially savvy and detail-oriented, with the ability to work accurately with financial data, gift records, reconciliations, and reports.
• An organized project manager who can prioritize competing responsibilities, manage timelines, and consistently follow through on goals.
• A thoughtful problem-solver who identifies opportunities, asks the right questions, evaluates information, and makes sound, timely decisions.
• A collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals, values diverse perspectives, and helps strengthen team effectiveness.
• An innovative thinker who looks for better ways to improve processes, strengthen relationships , and advance Aspire’s mission.
• A proactive professional who can address challenges and difficult issues with sound judgment , grace, and poise.
• Discreet and professional when handling confidential information.
• Committed to providing superior customer service and creating positive experiences for internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and spreadsheets, and comfortable learning and using donor CRM software.
• Passionate about philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, and Aspire’s mission, vision, and values.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred ; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in donor relations, volunteer relationship management, event coordination, or a similar role.
• Proven record of success in developing relationships with constituents.
• Proven record of success engaging with volunteers.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Experience and expertise with Virtuous CRM software or a similar system.
• Passion for philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
• Ability to maintain grace and poise under pressure.

Why Aspire?

• Make a meaningful impact by connecting volunteers, donors, and community partners to Aspire’s mission.
• Help build relationships that strengthen community engagement and support Aspire’s work.
• Create positive and rewarding volunteer experiences that connect people with opportunities to make a difference.
• Collaborate with colleagues, community leaders, and partners to advance Aspire’s mission , vision, and strategic needs.
• Contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on greater possibilitie s, meaningful connections, and communities where everyone belongs.

Full-Time Benefits (for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Annual performance reviews with opportunities to discuss compensation and professional growth

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re passionate about building meaningful relationships, bringing people together, and connecting your community to a greater purpose , we’d love to hear from you! Join a mission-driven team where your collaboration, creativity, and commitment help strengthen community partnerships and advance Aspire’s mission.

Apply today and help create meaningful opportunities for people to connect, give back, and make a difference