Donor Relations Officer

South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. SHIM provides food, clothing, financial aid, education, family support, and a host of other services to 8,500 people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. In response to the unique challenges faced by the local refugee and immigrant population, SHIM operates programming designed to support children and families in this demographic.

The Donor Relations Officer is all about building relationships—connecting with people, understanding what drives their generosity, and making sure they feel engaged and appreciated. This exempt role is perfect for someone who can talk to anyone, from longtime supporters to new donors, and guide them through the giving journey from start to finish. It’s not just about fundraising—it’s about being part of a passionate, mission-driven team, working closely with staff to share the impact of SHIM’s work and inspire ongoing support. If you thrive on meaningful conversations, relationship-building, and making a real difference, this is the role for you.

Essential Functions:

• Identify and connect with potential donors, understanding their interests and aligning them with SHIM’s mission.
• Build and maintain strong relationships through personal outreach, events, and meaningful touchpoints.
• Develop tailored giving plans and confidently ask for support, ensuring donors see the impact of

their contributions.

• Engage donors beyond giving—through volunteering, site visits, and hands-on involvement in

SHIM’s work.

• Work closely with program and development teams to create compelling stories and

proposals that resonate.

• Craft personalized communication plans to keep donors informed, inspired, and engaged.
• Use data and insights to track engagement, refine strategies, and optimize fundraising efforts.
• Stay current on fundraising trends and best practices to keep SHIM’s donor engagement effective and impactful.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Deeply curious about people, always seeking to understand what motivates donors, their passions, and how they want to make an impact.
• Ability to articulate impact clearly and compellingly, helping donors see the difference their support makes.
• Strong listening skills, ensuring donors feel heard, valued, and connected to SHIM’s mission.
• Ability to create personalized donor plans that keep people engaged and giving, while understanding what matters most to them and linking it to SHIM’s mission.
• Continuous learning mindset, always looking for ways to improve systems, processes, and donor engagement strategies.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, bringing fresh ideas and creative solutions to strengthen relationships and enhance fundraising efforts.
• Skilled at turning project details into meaningful proposals and providing clear donor feedback on the impact of their support.
• Well-organized and reliable when it comes to reporting, managing tasks, and sticking to deadlines and budgets, all while following SHIM’s guidelines.
• A creative problem-solver who can find ways to overcome challenges and meet both donor and organizational needs.
• Great at building trust and lasting relationships with donors, staff, and leadership, making everyone feel connected to the mission.
• Clear and effective communicator, whether in person, writing, or on the phone—knowing how to get the right message across.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Raiser’s Edge NXT, LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and SmartSheet.
• Able to work to get the job done, even if it means occasional nights or weekends.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in Fundraising, English, Business, Communications/Public Relations, Marketing, Sociology, or 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a similar role within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is preferred. While a proven track record in managing donor relationships and soliciting major gifts is a plus, the most important qualities are the skills and willingness to grow in these areas. Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams, developing personalized communication plans, and using donor management systems like Raiser’s Edge NXT is beneficial, but training will be provided. Familiarity with the South Hills community or similar regions, along with an understanding of local philanthropic trends, is also a plus.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• N/A

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met as an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• While performing the duties of the job the employee is required to sit, walk, stand, use hands, fingers and feet, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift or move items up to 15 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus. Specific job duties require data entry, and the ability to hear and speak over the telephone.