Donor Relations Specialist

Donor Relations Specialist

Responsible for fostering long-term relationships with donors to drive retention, satisfaction, and yield high-quality donations for Goodwill Houston (GWH). Manages stewardship initiatives, including personalized acknowledgment letters, donor recognition events, and impact reporting. Responsible for donor database management, analyzing giving patterns, reporting donation metrics, and identifying new donation acquisition opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research to continually identify, cultivate, and steward new donor relationships as part of an overall donor acquisition strategy.
• Work closely with the Director of Donation Acquisition (DDA), the retail senior leadership team, and the transportation department to plan and coordinate Donation Acquisition events and activities.
• Provide frequent communication with the DDA and the team on planned activities and metric-driven results.
• Provide clear, timely communication to members of the Donation Acquisition team on progress, issues, and resource requirements for donated goods.
• Maintain strong and positive work relationships with all associates.
• Track critical data relevant to donations' quantity, quality, and value and assist with data analysis.
• Represent GWH as the Donor Ambassador at community engagements and donor events.
• Act as a GWH's Donation Ambassador, champion GWH's mission, and participate in community activities to advance GWH's mission throughout local communities.
• As an empowering leader, assists in removing barriers to ensure the team's success.
• Develop new partnerships and participate in required community/civic events to meet quarterly objectives.
• Accomplishes organizational mission by completing related assignments as needed.
• Provide administrative support for the Donation Acquisition Department.
• Perform other duties as directed by management to support evolving organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
• Ability to multitask, make quick decisions, adapt to change, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Adheres to all GWH Policies & Procedures, Loss Prevention & Safety Regulations, and GWH Guiding Principles.
• Must be punctual, maintain a professional appearance, and perform expected duties.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Must perform all duties according to GWH safety procedures, maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all walkways are clear and free of clutter.
• Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree is preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, events, or an administrative setting is required.
• Demonstrated success in a development function (managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources).
• Areas of expertise: strategic planning and managing complex operating systems.
• Excellent computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Office).
• Excellent verbal communication skills and comfortable with presenting and public speaking.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license and valid insurance.
• Flexible work hours and the ability to work nights and weekends are essential.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for current or future employment. GWH does not offer visa sponsorship for employment purposes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

• Donor Strategy Development: Completion and approval of a comprehensive donor cultivation and stewardship strategy plan in the first sixty (60) days
• Partner and Donation Tracking: Implementation and configuration of the CRM system in the first ninety (90) days
• Donor Research: Identify, contact, and cultivate ten (10) new donor relationships as part of an overall donor acquisition strategy in the first year
• Donation Acquisition Events and Activities: Planning and coordination of three (3) GWH donation acquisition events and activities in the first year
• Donation Acquisition Campaigns: Planning and execution of three (3) donation acquisition campaigns in the first year

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and reach.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs.
• Able to spend most working hours at a computer.