Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving

The Director of Donor Relations & Annual Giving advances the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley by leading a comprehensive annual giving and stewardship program that inspires generosity, deepens donor engagement, and sustains long-term support for Club youth and families.

This position is responsible for developing and executing strategies that strengthen donor relationships across all giving levels—from new and recurring donors to major and planned gift supporters. The role oversees annual giving campaigns, matching gift challenges, donor retention strategies, crowdfunding efforts, and personalized stewardship initiatives.

As an integral member of the Resource Development team, this individual works under the supervision of the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) and collaborates with Resource Development colleagues and Club staff to ensure every donor feels valued, informed, and connected to the life-changing impact of their investment in the Boys & Girls Club mission.

Essential Job Functions

Resource Development

• Donor Relations & Stewardship
  • Develop and oversee stewardship plans for all donors, including new donors, annual donors, major gifts, planned gifts, and long-term donors, ensuring timely reports, meaningful touchpoints, personalized recognition, including acknowledgment letters, thank-you calls, and digital appreciation campaigns.
  • Partner with program and communications staff to share compelling impact stories, outcomes, and testimonials that demonstrate donor impact.
  • Work closely with the CPO to ensure stewardship strategies align with organizational priorities and overall fundraising goals.
  • Partner with Club leadership, program staff, and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement opportunities.
  • Support and coach team members and volunteers involved in donor outreach and stewardship activities.
  • Foster a culture of gratitude, accountability, and continuous improvement within all fundraising and stewardship activities.

• Annual Giving Strategy & Execution
  • Design and implement a robust annual giving program that increases participation, increases retention, and encourages upgrades in giving levels.
  • Plan and manage annual appeals, including direct mail, email, and digital campaigns.
  • Coordinate matching gift challenges and crowdfunding initiatives to engage new audiences and strengthen giving.
  • Oversee donor segmentation, renewal, and retention strategies using data-driven insights.
  • Partner with marketing and communications staff to ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging across all donor touchpoints.
  • Develop and track key performance metrics for annual giving and stewardship efforts, reporting progress regularly to the CPO.
• Work to understand how your actions and contributions to quality work and to maximization of resources enhance the organization’s fundraising efforts and its overall financial health.
• Support fundraising, donor stewardship, and Board engagement activities.

Operations

• Collaborate with internal teams and departments to align goals and strategies and to foster a culture of cooperation and teamwork.
• Engage in continuous learning and contribute to the effective implementation of continuous improvement processes.
• Support the ethical use of data to make decisions in a timely and informed manner.
• Represent the organization to the community in a way that enhances the organization’s profile, builds its reputation, supports its strategic priorities, and advances its mission.

• Contribute to operational goals and objectives that align with and advance the organization's strategic priorities.
• Support team development and performance, inclusive of but not limited to active listening, team-based learning, recognition, fun, and transparent communications.
• Strive to meet and surpass the expectations of youth, families, staff, volunteers, Board, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Support the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects.
• Focus efforts on promoting equity, engaging in trauma-informed and continuous improvement practices, and doing what is needed to help the communities the organization serves become great places for all children and youth to grow and thrive.
• Actively and substantially contribute to a healthy organizational culture characterized by the core elements of trust, inclusion, belonging, autonomy, position mastery, and purpose.
• Finish work by established deadlines within the framework of established guidelines and policies.
• Address issues and concerns in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
• Ensure records are up-to date, accurate, and organized.
• Prioritize and organize multiple tasks and responsibilities in a way that meets daily responsibilities while continuing to work toward longer-term objectives.

Safety and Risk Management

• Ensure current safety practices meet or exceed organizational requirements.
• Support the development and implementation of new or amended policies, practices, and processes that further mitigate and minimize safety risks.

Talent Development

• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence, aligning your efforts with the organization’s values, mission, strategic priorities, and policies.
• Participate in available coaching opportunities, regular one-on-one meetings with your supervisor, performance evaluations, and goal setting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and development by following talent development requirements and creating and following a professional development plan.

Other duties as assigned.

The Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving require a majority combination of the following:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• At least 2-5 years’ experience in fundraising, donor relations, or annual giving in a nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated record of developing and executing successful donor engagement or annual giving campaigns.

Skills and Requirements

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strategic thinker with a creative approach to donor engagement and campaign design.
• High level of emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills with donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical fundraising standards.
• Passion for the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those with unmet needs, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey information in a timely, open, and clear manner.
• Reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use computers, software, and other technology tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Key Characteristics

• Is mission-driven and values-based.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Upholds a commitment to equity, while striving to be anti-racist and respectful of cultural differences with all stakeholders.
• Contributes to a purpose-driven culture characterized by trust, inclusion, belonging, autonomy, and learning.
• Operates with excellence in mind in all matters.

For full consideration, please apply by Sunday, November 16th, 2025.
Applications/Resumes will be considered on a rolling basis after the preferred date until the position is filled.