Donor Engagement Manager

Position Description—Donor Engagement Manager

About Lifelong:

Lifelong is a thriving nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of older adults in Tompkins County! Growing older well is something that we all hope to do, and Lifelong strives to be a valuable and supportive resource for adults 50 and older. Our activities, classes, events, and support and social groups promote mental, physical, and creative growth in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Lifelong is also a center for information and services for those seeking help with technology, taxes, health insurance, volunteer opportunities, and other matters connected with living well after 50. We are a small team committed to making a difference in the lives of older adults!

Position Overview:

The Donor Engagement Manager will play a vital role in growing all aspects of our development efforts, including expanding our donor base, building and nurturing relationships with individual supporters, carrying out fundraising events, and managing our donor database. This role is key to ensuring the financial sustainability of our organization and engaging donors in meaningful ways that inspire continued support. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, a strong communicator, and passionate about empowering older adults through philanthropic support.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement our fundraising efforts, including individual donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events
• Lead in planning and executing fundraising appeals and events that align with the mission and financial goals of the organization
• Manage and update donor database, accurately tracking donations, acknowledgements, and engagement
• Cultivate relationships with prospective and current donors, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the impact of their contributions
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board Development and Community Relations Committee to align donor engagement strategies with broader organizational objectives and goals
• Prepare and present reports on development progress, fundraising performance, and donor engagement metrics on request

Position Requirements:

·        Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

·        Proven experience (one or more years) in fundraising, donor relations, or development, with a focus on growing donor engagement and expanding fundraising efforts

·        Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build relationships, share Lifelong’s impact, and engage diverse donor groups

·        Comfortable with donor management software (experience with DonorView preferred)

·        Ability to work independently, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail

·        Passion for serving older adults and an understanding of their needs and challenges

·        Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on growing all aspects of development efforts

·        Permitted to work in the United States

Additional Skills, Abilities, and Attributes:

As part of our team at Lifelong, staff must be able to collaborate effectively with others, support group goals, and contribute to the overall success of the agency and to a positive and supportive workplace. To be effective in this position requires:

·        Openness to assuming accountability for job-related outcomes

• Ability to handle confidential information
• Comfort with initiating requests for assistance or guidance from supervisor when needed, and with receiving and responding to feedback
• Strong social skills that facilitate communication, relationship-building, and collaboration among staff and volunteers and result in providing excellent customer service to clients. These include:

§ Ability and willingness to convey ideas; express thoughts and feelings in a manner that is easily understood by others.

§ Understanding and acknowledging perspectives of others and responding with sensitivity and compassion.

§ Listening actively/mindfully, and seeking understanding of what is being said

§ Allowing others to participate in conversations; practicing “the pause” before speaking

§ Respecting and valuing the opinions and contributions of others

§ Being solution-oriented and respectful should conflicts and disagreements arise

Salary, Benefits and Location:

·        Non-exempt; $25/hour; 21 hours/week (typically Tues/Weds/Thurs)

·        Benefits include (prorated for part-time employees):

§ Twelve paid holidays (when regularly scheduled to work that day) and six additional paid personal days / year

§ Paid vacation time (12 days in years 1 & 2) and sick time accrued from date of hire

§ Employee Assistance Program

§ SIMPLE IRA eligibility after one year employment

·        On-site; limited remote available based on the needs of the organization

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to:

Liza Burger, Executive Director

lburger@tclifelong.org

We anticipate this position starting in April, and applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Lifelong is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.