DONOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Donor Relations Specialist

Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Development
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming

Date: April 2025

Each day at Volunteers of America, we strive to exemplify our foundational pillar of Servant Leadership and Cultural Values of Communication, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.

At VOA we are committed to providing opportunities that help staff grow and enhance their skill sets. As part of this commitment, we invest in on-the-job training to prepare employees for their new positions and offer professional development opportunities, coaching, and career pathways to promote our culture of helping staff advance their careers throughout the organization.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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Summary/Objective

This position manages a diverse group of donors and implements strategies to effectively recruit, cultivate, solicit, and steward partners. This position is responsible for building relationships with donors while working to increase connection to and support for VOA Northern Rockies (VOA). This position is responsible for working with the VOA Development Team to collectively raise funds necessary to meet the organization's budget needs and, through direct donor solicitation, event and corporate sponsorship, and smart giving.

Essential Functions

• Manage a portfolio of donors, making data-driven decisions to increase engagement and donor support of VOA and VOA Northern Rockies Foundation

• Prepare and present regular donor relationship action reports that accurately reflect assigned donor group activity, goals, and plans for the donor
• Execute fundraising efforts including individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and event supporters
• Entry and updates into the Blackbaud database, including donor records, files, and other fields used to track donor engagement and gift information

• Work within the established Fundraising Plan to retain and advance the commitment of the donors for VOA and the VOA Northern Rockies Foundation
• Manage constituents, processes, deadlines, and budgets while adhering to the policies and procedures of the organization
• Assist with direct mail campaigns
• Assist the Director of Development in department planning and execution of strategic goals
• Represent VOA well in the community and with donors
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the programs of VOA and be able to speak to the mission, vision, and values of the organization
• Work with the Foundation, Grant, Communications, and Fundraising Teams to advance the organization with donors and stakeholders
• Market, manage, and coordinate regular tours across the region
• Responsible for the coordination, planning, and execution of all fundraising events across the region, including but not limited to:
  • Manage logistics of events
  • Create and lead volunteer committees as appropriate and manage volunteers
  • Establish and cultivate relationships with sponsors
  • Manage vendor and venue arrangements
  • Manage execution of the event and act as point of contact on the day of the event
  • Market events through collaboration with communications team

Competencies

• Effective communicator, both oral and written
• Ability to effectively deal with diverse individuals and groups
• Ability to organize/prioritize large volumes of information and calls
• Must be self-motivated, innovative, and possess solid decision-making skills
• Comfort in the full suite of Microsoft Office 365 products
• Continuous demonstration of behaviors aligned with a posture of servant leadership and our cultural values.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend, stand, or stoop as necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

This position requires travel, working with prospective and current major donors, coordinating fundraising events, and supporting fundraising volunteers in various communities.

Required Education, Experience, or Eligibility Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in development or a closely related field or bachelor's degree in a related field
• Three (3) years of previous work in planned giving, major gifts development, or fundraising. Relevant experience may include annual campaigns, direct mail, mid-level donor programs, sustainer donor programs, major gift programs, trust management, or grant writing
• Must be comfortable in front of people and highly interactive with others

Preferred Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) Certification
• Certification in Blackbaud Raisers Edge/NXT Database
• Graduate Certificate in Charitable Financial Planning
• More than three (3) years of progressive and responsible experience in fundraising

EEO Statement

Volunteers of America Northern Rockies is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics. Volunteers of America Northern Rockies will make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact us at 307-672-0475.