Donor Relations and Engagement Specialist

Job Details

Description

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a full-time Donor Relations and Engagement Specialist to join our Development team! The Donor Relations and Engagement Specialist is responsible for increasing philanthropic support to LifeWorks by leading donor pipeline strategies to engage individuals, corporations, and family foundations. Maintains a dynamic prospect pipeline, guiding donors through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process. Collaborates with the Director of Donor Relations & Engagement to develop and execute individualized strategies for assigned prospects and donors. Allocates approximately 50% of their time to annual giving and pipeline building strategies, and the remaining 50% percent of their time to other activities related to donor relations, including gift acceptance and acknowledgment, events, donor recognition, stewardship reporting, and administrative duties, such as planning and coordinating.

The full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $73,982.31-$80,846.65 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 15 paid holidays per year; a free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

Responsibilities

Donor Relations and Events

• Leads and implements donor pipeline strategy, expanding awareness of LifeWorks mission and programs through diverse networks. Maintains a robust prospect pipeline assessing donor interest, affinity, and capacity at all gift levels.
• Plans and executes Learning about LifeWorks presentations, tours, events, and other fundraising to attract donor prospects and raise agency visibility.
• Develops and delivers compelling donor presentations to varied external audiences, including presentations in tandem with the Chief Executive Officer.
• Engages current and prospective donors as Community Connectors to host Learning about LifeWorks events, determining the size, scope and outcome of each activity.
• Collaborates with Development staff on key strategies, including the annual Lunch for LifeWorks, the agency’s most significant annual funding event.
• Partners with the Volunteer Engagement Specialist to engage prospects in volunteer activities and other cultivation opportunities.
• Leads follow-up for new prospects, including outreach and CRM documentation.
• Develops and leads a stewardship plan for first-time and lapsed Annual Donor (under $1,000), ensuring accurate, timely, and meaningful expressions of gratitude, communication, and engagement.
• Coordinates with the Board of Governors, major donors, and their networks on prospecting and donor engagement.
• Enhances LifeWorks’ visibility by attending community aligned with fundraising strategies.
  
  

Frontline Fundraising Cycle

• Solicits and secures private funding from a variety of donors to directly support LifeWorks clients and mission.
• Manages a robust portfolio of prospects, including major and annual donors, tour attendees, emerging corporate partners, and referrals.
• Develops and maintains complex/sensitive relationships with individuals critical to funding success.
• Applies a relationship-based fundraising approach to identify, cultivate, solicit, and renew donors, focusing on the $1,000 annual giving level.
• Cultivates and engages donors through customized 1:1 visits, tours, presentations, volunteerism, and stewardship opportunities.
• Ensure donor intentions align with organizational needs.
  
  

Administration and Planning

• Partners with Development leadership to develop strategies and timetables that meet department goals for annual giving, major donors, and overall giving to LifeWorks.
• Supports data-driven fundraising by tracking, analyzing, and reporting donor trends and engagement.
• Reviews and tracks expenses.
• Ensures compliance with all policies and procedures related to fundraising and donor relations.
  
  

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree;
• Requires 3 years of related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite programs, including but not limited to Word, Excel and SharePoint, and proficient in database/CRM, email, and Internet applications.
  
  

About Lifeworks

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.