Donor Engagement Associate

Description

The Donor Engagement Associate is a key member of the development team at Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). They are responsible for building and nurturing meaningful relationships with SEI’s valued donors. This role will lead SEI’s donor communications strategy and drive fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate is a passionate communicator, a strategic thinker, and a relationship builder with a proven track record of securing gifts and increasing donor retention.

Responsibilities:

• Donor Communications & Engagement:
  • Lead, manage, and execute the donor communications plan, encompassing in-person interactions, email, phone, presentations/marketing strategies, and physical mail.
  • Develop engaging and compelling copywriting for donor newsletters, appeals, and other communication materials.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Department to ensure alignment of agency newsletters, social media, and website content with development initiatives and marketing materials.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with low to mid-level donors, fostering their connection to SEI’s mission.
  • Proactively identify and engage new donors, focusing on increasing donor engagement and retention.
  • Increase the number of recurring donors and create and execute campaigns to increase recurring giving.
• Fundraising & Portfolio Management:
  • Manage a portfolio of donors giving up to $25,000 annually, developing personalized strategies for cultivation and solicitation.
  • Lead, manage, and execute departmental fundraising campaigns, ensuring successful implementation and achievement of goals.
  • Solicit and secure gifts up to $25,000.
• Relationship Building & Stewardship:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, ensuring personalized and meaningful interactions.
  • Develop and implement effective stewardship strategies to recognize and appreciate donor contributions.
  • Track and document donor interactions and preferences in the CRM database.
• Fundraising Events:
  • Collaborate with the Operations team on the planning and execution of fundraising events, ensuring positive and engaging donor experiences.
  • Assist in the cultivation and stewardship of donors at fundraising events.
  • Ensure that donor information is gathered and tracked accurately at events.
• Measurable Goals:
  • Achieve an annual individual fundraising goal of $300,000 through effective donor engagement and solicitation.
  • Increase the number of first-time donors who make a second gift within 12 months.
  • Increase the number of lapsed donors who re-engage and re-invest.
  • Increase the number of existing donors who increase their annual giving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or a related field.
• Proven experience soliciting and securing gifts in the $10,000 to $25,000 range.
• Demonstrated success in engaging new donors and increasing donor engagement and retention.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Experience developing and executing donor communications plans.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical standards.
• Proficiency in using CRM databases and email marketing platforms.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.  
• Passion for SEI’s mission.
• Experience creating and executing fundraising campaigns.

Salary : $67,000 - $78,000