Director of Donor Engagement

The Director of Donor Engagement is responsible for leading the strategy, development, and execution of a comprehensive individual giving program spanning entry-level through major-level donors. This role is central to cultivating a relationship-driven donor experience that strengthens retention and builds a robust pipeline for transformational and planned gifts. The Director of Donor Engagement will drive revenue growth through the annual fund, monthly giving initiatives, major donor strategy, corporate partnerships, and event sponsorships. In partnership with the Business Operations Manager, this role ensures the integrity and effectiveness of donor data management within the CRM (DonorPerfect), including segmentation, gift processing, acknowledgement and reporting. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Donor Engagement reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Board of Directors, the other directors within the Development suite, and key stakeholders to achieve annual fundraising goals and support the organizations long-term financial sustainability. Key Responsibilities Donor Engagement Strategy & Execution Develop and implement a comprehensive, year-round donor engagement strategy aligned with organizational priorities and strategic goals. Establish and achieve annual revenue targets across individual giving, including annual fund, monthly giving, major gifts. Oversee our planned giving program, the Patrick Mackay Legacy Society, with a focus on new commitments each year. Collaborate with the Director of Events and Marketing to ensure cohesive messaging, timing, and delivery of donor communications. Partner with the Director of Community Outreach and Government Affairs to identify and pursue corporate partnership opportunities, including Aviator/Captain sponsorships, employee engagement experiences, and philanthropic support (both in-kind and direct funding). Donor Relations & Stewardship Cultivate and manage relationships with current and prospective donors through consistent, meaningful engagement. Maintain a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, conducting a minimum of two personalized (face-to-face or voice-to-voice) engagements annually per donor. Design and execute tailored stewardship plans for major donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Oversee donor recognition programs, giving societies, and engagement events to ensure a high-quality donor experience. Board & Leadership Engagement Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors. Co-lead the Boards Resource Development & Marketing Committee, providing strategic direction and regular reporting on fundraising performance. Participate in all board meetings (6 per year) and the annual board retreat. Train and support board members and staff to actively engage in fundraising efforts. Event Revenue Strategy In partnership with the Director of Events and Marketing, support the achievement of sponsorship, underwriting, and advertising revenue goals. Develop and implement strategies to convert event attendees into ongoing annual fund donors. Organizational Leadership & Collaboration Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, working cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Programs, and Events/Marketing. Foster strong internal collaboration and effective communication to ensure clarity of roles and alignment on goals. Contribute to a positive organizational culture and consistently model the organizations core values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Data Management & Reporting Partner with the Business Operations Manager to ensure the accuracy and integrity of donor data within the CRM system. Analyze fundraising performance using key metrics and provide regular reports on campaign and event effectiveness. Monitor revenue trends and recommend strategic adjustments to optimize donor engagement and revenue growth. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Achievement of Annual Fund revenue goals Event sponsorship and underwriting gross revenue (e.g., Gala and Golf Outing) Growth in monthly giving participation New donor acquisition (excluding memorial gifts) Conversion of event attendees to first-time annual fund donors Growth in mid-level donor portfolio ($1,000+) through moves management Increase in planned giving commitments Improved donor retention rate Annual number and quality of donor touchpoints (tours, meaningful calls, outings, networking events, meals) Qualifications Bachelors degree required. Minimum of 57 years of progressive development experience, with a demonstrated record of achieving fundraising goals. Proven expertise in major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies for organizations with budgets between $2M$5M. Exceptional written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders. Familiarity with fundraising CRM systems (e.g., DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or similar). Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support donor engagement and events. Collaborative leadership style with a strong commitment to the nonprofit sector and the organizations mission. In addition to the base salary listed, this position will also be eligible for a performance-based bonus based on KPI results.
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