Donor Relations Manager

Job Title: Donor Relations Manager

Company: River Bend Food Bank

Location: Davenport, IA

Status: Full Time, Salaried Exempt

Salary Range: $68,000 - $78,000

SUMMARY

The Donor Relations Manager plays a critical role in advancing the mission of River Bend Food Bank (RBFB) by executing a comprehensive donor relations strategy. This position is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations to secure financial support and increase donor retention. The Donor Relations Manager will lead stewardship initiatives, oversee donor recognition programs, and ensure that donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Develop and implement strategies for donor retention, engagement, and recognition.
• Create personalized stewardship plans for major donors and legacy givers.
• Oversee donor appreciation events, tours, and impact reporting.

Fundraising & Relationship Management

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, with a focus on building long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with the development team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
• Support grant writing and proposal development as needed.

Communications & Impact Reporting

• Work with team members to develop compelling donor communications, including newsletters, thank-you letters, and annual reports.
• Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts.

Database & Analytics

• Oversee the donor database to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
• Analyze donor data to inform strategy and improve engagement outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or nonprofit development.
• Proven success in managing donor portfolios and securing philanthropic gifts.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Familiarity with donor management systems.
• Passion for hunger relief and community service.
• Ability to travel throughout the Food Bank’s service area as needed, with occasional out of town and overnight travel required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, as needed, occasionally outside of regular business hours for special events and to support fundraising efforts.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background investigation and credit check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to feel and speak and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand or sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to regularly read from a computer or electronic device, and to frequently operate a motor vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions during work-related travel. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.