Donor Engagement Specialist

Description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Donor Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in Southeastern’s Financial & Alumni Development office by executing annual giving communications and solicitation strategies. This position is responsible for increasing the number of active financial supporters, particularly among unengaged donors and those contributing between $1 and $999 annually. Through donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, the Donor Engagement Specialist helps ensure the long-term financial viability of the institution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Giving Strategy & Program Development

• Assist the Associate Director in maintaining and growing annual giving programs, including credit card recurring gifts, faculty and staff payroll deductions, and micro-giving initiatives.

• Identify and implement new strategies to increase donor engagement and retention.

• Work collaboratively with the Alumni Relations Strategist to strengthen annual giving programs.

• Assist in running queries and producing donor lists for communication and engagement efforts.

Donor Identification & Cultivation

• Manage a portfolio of annual donors, engaging them through in-person meetings, phone calls, and digital communication to deepen relationships and encourage increased giving.

• Identify opportunities to convert first-time donors into recurring supporters through targeted outreach.

• Oversee faculty and staff giving, with an emphasis on engagement through payroll deduction.

• Build relationships with students' and alumni family members (e.g., parents, grandparents) to cultivate them as potential financial supporters.

• Partner with the Director, Associate Director, and Major Gifts Officer to transition high-capacity donors to major gift cultivation.

Donor Solicitation & Stewardship

• Develop and execute annual solicitation and donor engagement communications, including appeal letters, e-newsletters, and impact reports.

• Work with Marketing & Communications and Financial & Alumni Development staff to identify compelling Southeastern stories for donor outreach.

• Provide meaningful recognition for annual donors (gifts under $1,000) through emails, handwritten notes, and phone calls.

Data Management & Reporting

• Track progress toward fiscal-year goals, providing monthly reports on key performance metrics.

• Document donor interactions and learned constituent information in Slate (donor management system).

• Collaborate with the Gift Accountant to assess the effectiveness of solicitation campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.

Event Coordination & Support

• Assist in the planning and execution of donor and prospective donor events in partnership with alumni and event support staff.

• Provide logistical support and representation at Southeastern Society meetings, conventions, and other fundraising events.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as an ambassador for Southeastern, promoting its mission and impact in all donor interactions.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.)

• Ability to learn and use new software and donor management systems

• This position is restricted to current SEBTS students and spouses of SEBTS students

Preferred

• Prior experience in fundraising or donor relations

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT

• Some travel may be required for donor engagement and prospect development.

• Must be available to work additional hours during peak fundraising periods and events (e.g., Southeastern Society meetings, conventions).

Salary : $1,000 - $999,000