Donor Engagement Specialist

Donor Engagement Specialist Department: AAO Foundation FLSA Status: Exempt Employment Status: Full-Time Reports To: Vice President, AAO Foundation About AAO The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is a professional association of educationally qualified orthodontic specialists dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics, improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, and supporting the practice of orthodontics. The AAO is comprised of more than 19,000 members in the United States, Canada, and abroad. Orthodontics is the oldest and largest dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Position Summary The Donor Engagement Specialist plans, implements, and manages a comprehensive annual giving program to secure philanthropic support for the AAO Foundation. This position is responsible for increasing donor participation, strengthening donor relationships, and improving donor retention through strategic fundraising campaigns, targeted communications, and effective stewardship practices. The role focuses primarily on individual donors with annual giving levels up to $5,000. Essential Functions The essential functions listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this role successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Develop and execute annual giving strategies utilizing direct mail, email, digital, social media, and peer-to-peer fundraising channels. Establish annual fundraising goals and monitor progress to ensure performance objectives are met. Manage recurring giving programs to increase donor participation and long-term support. Track, analyze, and report on campaign performance and donor engagement metrics. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors with a primary focus on annual gifts of up to $5,000. Develop and implement donor stewardship and recognition initiatives to promote donor retention and satisfaction. Implement planned giving strategies to continue long term strategic fund raising. Create segmented and personalized donor communications based on donor history and engagement level. Collaborate with Foundation and AAO staff to align fundraising activities with organizational priorities. Maintain accurate donor records and activity documentation in the donor database. Prepare regular reports related to fundraising outcomes, donor trends, and engagement activity. Support Foundation events, initiatives, and other duties as assigned. Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree required, degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, donor engagement, or related professional experience. Experience managing fundraising campaigns and donor communications preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of annual giving programs and donor stewardship best practices. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail. Ability to analyze data and apply insights to improve fundraising performance. Proficiency with donor management systems (CRM) and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Working Conditions and Physical Demands This position primarily involves sedentary office work in an indoor environment. Occasional travel is required, typically one trip annually lasting 5-8 days. The role requires the ability to lift, pack, and unpack boxes of supplies and to stand or walk for extended periods (up to 10 hours per day) during an annual conference or similar events. Benefits for Full-Time Employees Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Hybrid Workplace (minimum 16 hours per week in office) HRA and FSA 401(k) Retirement Plan Vacation and Sick Time, Volunteer Day, Personal Days, Paid Holidays, Summer Fridays Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance Term Life and AD&D Insurance Employee Assistance Program Wellness Support Tuition Reimbursement #J-18808-Ljbffr