K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress. We are the fastest growing non-profit in America. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog, and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work, we are doing, we are in need of an experienced Donor Relations Manager to join our amazing team.
Role and Responsibilities
Working under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the Donor Relations Manager (DRM) plays a key and integral role in the success of K9s For Warriors fund development efforts, specifically through ongoing and proactive relationship management, strategic communications planning, gifts cultivation and solicitation activity with an assigned caseload of qualified major donors. In this role, the DRM will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors acting as the primary contact between K9s and the assigned caseload, with an emphasis on securing gifts of $10,000 and higher, increasing overall major gifts to K9s For Warriors while retaining and strengthening existing giving. An ability to empathize with donors and clearly communicate our organization’s mission is key.
The DRM must be a team player who also works well independently, has strong leadership abilities and an entrepreneurial spirit, possesses initiative, has unparalleled attention to detail, and excels in being creative, dependable, flexible, and resourceful. The DRM will work in conjunction with the CAO, Associate Director of Development and consultants to design, develop and implement K9s For Warriors’ annual major gift plan (individual contributions of $10,000+). The DRM will be expected to energize team members, persuade prospects and meet annual fundraising objectives. This position works closely with program managers, CAO and CEO to align major gifts efforts with the K9s For Warriors’ strategic plan and mission. The DRM’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist donors in accomplishing their philanthropic goals through a relationship with K9s For Warriors
- Establish, manage and fulfill a caseload communications plan, including individual fundraising goals and personalized strategies, to effectively steward, educate, cultivate and solicit gifts from major donors each fiscal year, with an emphasis on gifts of $10,000 and higher
- Manage a minimum caseload of 150 assigned and qualified major donors and maintain and seek to engage with a small additional prospective donor “watch list” as assigned, following the agreed upon communications plan that is specific to each donor and prospect
- Lead in one-to-one solicitation, gift acknowledgement and stewardship communication
- Travel as necessary, establishing and maintaining excellent donor relations, providing written proposals to major gift prospects as needed, and including K9s leadership as appropriate
- Work in collaboration with program, finance, development, education/communications and admin support staff to develop a portfolio of giving opportunities (cases for support) that documents funding needs in terms of real program costs, how dollars impact our warriors and rescue dogs, outcomes being achieved, shortfalls and exciting mission advancement opportunities; presenting these opportunities to donors to effectively match donor interests with K9s advancement needs
- Manage all office systems related to DRM duties, including maintaining updated donor files, tracking spreadsheets, correspondence and gift acknowledgments, etc., in keeping with department policies and procedures
- Document all donor interactions through contact reports and according to established business practices, including K9s For Warriors’ donor database and wealth screening tools
- Ensure excellent customer service is provided to donors through accessibility to staff and leadership (as granted), timely responsiveness, quality in all interactions and personalized communications.
- Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the CAO and other staff with their portfolio solicitation
- Other duties and tasks as assigned
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- 5-years, minimum, demonstrated experience in non-profit fundraising; 3+ years in major gift solicitation strongly preferred
- Ability to secure individual major gifts of $10,000+
- Successful track-record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting new individual donors
- Record of measurable results in organizing and implementing development events and related activities
- Comfortable using a donor database, prospect research and other wealth screening tools to aid in the moves management process; experience with Blackbaud products preferred
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management or a related field
- A valid driver’s license required
Preferred Skills
- A self-starter driven by results
- Willingness to travel to meet with current and prospective donors; some overnight travel is required
- Strategist adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking and follow-through
- Willing and capable to work hands-on developing and executing fundraising events and other activities as needed
- Committed to and enthusiastic about K9s For Warriors
- Military background or veteran status is a plus
Additional Notes
Our advancement team and organization directors participate in close collaborative work; therefore this individual is on site in our Ponte Vedra, FL office. Due to the nature of this position frequent local and national travel, including overnight, is required.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- Non-profit or fundraising: 5 years (Preferred)
Benefits offered:
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Healthcare spending or reimbursement accounts such as HSAs or FSAs
- Retirement benefits or accounts
- Other types of insurance
To apply, click here: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=donor%20relations%20manager&l=Ponte%20Vedra%2C%20FL&vjk=3363b91861a78520
