Senior Donor Relations Manager

Application Instructions

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Number of Positions: 1

Compensation: $60,000.00 - $66,500.00 Commensurate with Experience and Location

Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote

Position Overview

The Senior Donor Relations Manager is responsible for managing external-facing operations, logistics, and stewardship activities of the Development department. They will lead the execution of strategic stewardship initiatives for individual, foundation, and corporate supporters, ensuring timely and thoughtful acknowledgment of gifts, reporting on impact, and overall donor satisfaction. This role is key to ensuring cross-departmental alignment on donor impact and efficient team operations, including logistics for donor events and school visits.

They will optimize processes and support donor engagement efforts for the Major Gifts and Foundations Officer, Senior Director of Individual Giving, and Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships, and other development team members. An effective relationship builder, they will convey the impact of City Year’s education equity work through stewardship activities (such as donor communications, reports, and recognition) while also helping to plan and execute engagement events to further connect donors with the mission. They will work closely with the Senior Development Operations Manager to ensure data accuracy, consistent tracking, and effective use of technology platforms (Salesforce, Asana, Classy, and others) to meet fundraising goals.

. Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to thrive both independently and on a team. .Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, strategic thinkers with excellent problem-solving skills, and passionate about both donor stewardship and engagement.

City Year values and continuously works to build an equitable and inclusive culture where people from diverse lived experiences feel they belong.

Job Description

As a member of the Development team, the Senior Donor Engagement Manager will:

Coordinate Individual, Foundation, and Corporate Engagement Opportunities

• Identify and recommend new donor engagement opportunities to attract and involve potential donors with City Year LA.
• Work with the Impact Analytics team to produce data-driven reports and presentations for donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for donor events, meet-and-greets, and school visit events, in collaboration with the Program department.
• Engage donors in professional development opportunities for AmeriCorps member throughout the year.
• Support the Career Development Director in developing alumni engagement opportunities.

Lead the Stewardship Program for Individual and Corporate Supporters

• Track donor gifts; ensure timely acknowledgment and recognition.
• Maintain a calendar for donor communications to ensure consistent touchpoints such as thank-you notes, impact updates, and event invitations to retain and deepen donor relationships.
• Work with the Impact Analytics team to produce data-driven impact reports.
• Plan and execute stewardship events, including donor appreciation, and thank-you experiences in partnership with Corporate and Individual Giving teams.

Lead the Individual Donor Strategy (below $1K):

• Oversee the quarterly renewals process for gifts under $1K, ensuring retention and identifying opportunities for upgrade potential.
• Implement engagement plans for donors under $1K, leveraging digital and social media campaigns.
• Support the Senior Individual Gifts Director  in developing tailored stewardship strategies for donors giving below $1K.
• Assist in developing a prospect pipeline through events, service days, and volunteer opportunities.

Meeting Support and Departmental Operations:

• Organize development department meetings, including agenda preparation, scheduling, and follow-up on action items.
• Support data integrity and donor database management, working with the Senior Development Operations Manager to deliver real-time donor insights.
• Oversee donor collections (including pledge agreements, invoices, and follow-up reminders).
• Assist in developing recognition systems for donors, ensuring adherence to donor agreements.
• Manage processes, resources, and templates for the development team, including the Asana workstream and Spring Break fundraiser event trackers.
• Oversee the scheduling and all administrative duties correlated with the Associates Board.
• Support City Year fundraising events, such as Spring Break, by coordinating logistics and managing guest lists.

Additional Site and Team Support:

• Collaborate with CYLA departments during events, service days, and cross-departmental committees to ensure site-wide goals are met.
• Provide portfolio coverage for frontline fundraisers as needed.
• Analyze donor data to inform strategies and identify gaps in collaboration with the Senior Development Operations Manager.
• Support onboarding and training new Development team members in stewardship practices and event logistics.

• Assist in budgeting and expense tracking for donor engagement activities. Stay current on industry trends and best practices in donor stewardship and contribute ideas to enhance team operations.

Qualifications:

We listed key qualifications to succeed in the role. You don’t have to satisfy every requirement listed. If you have transferable skills and are excited about this role, please apply!

• 2-3 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or marketing preferred.
• Proficient in Salesforce or similar donor databases.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work periodic scheduled evenings and weekends.
• Positive “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and initiative.
• Strong relationship building skills across various levels and departments.
• Commitment to City Year's mission, core values, and inclusiveness.

Additional Qualities Needed:

To succeed in this role, an applicant must have the following competencies:

• Relationship Management: Able to cross manage their peers and supervisors against internal project deadlines and initiatives. Balance their own projects against the needs of others.  Able to work independently as well as in a team.  Ability to discern priorities and efficiently navigate competing demands.

• Executes to Results: Strong ability to create and execute against work plans. History of meeting goals and achieving benchmarks and holding self and others accountable. Effective in problem-solving and leveraging team support. Ability to manage a high volume of donor transactions in a fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented and committed to process and efficiency. 

• Communication: Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written. Adaptable communicator, good listener, empathetic team player, and flexible in response to evolving needs.

• Desire to learn: City Year has a unique service model and culture. Applicants should have strong experience and a track record of success in the above areas and be willing to continue learning.

Benefits

Salary : $60,000 - $66,500