Director of Donor Relations

Director of Donor Relations (Contract – 1099)

Caldwell Foundation for Public Safety

Full-Time Equivalent | Remote/Hybrid (Flexible)

About the Caldwell Foundation for Public Safety

The Caldwell Foundation for Public Safety is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing public safety, supporting victims of violence, and strengthening communities through education, advocacy, and direct-impact programs.

Founded from a deeply personal commitment to justice, the Foundation works to expand awareness, fund critical initiatives, and build partnerships that create meaningful, lasting change. By connecting donors directly to mission-driven outcomes, we ensure that every contribution supports safer communities and stronger public safety systems.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Donor Relations to lead and scale our fundraising efforts. This role is responsible for building a sustainable philanthropic engine that fuels organizational growth and impact.

This is a high-impact, externally facing position focused on revenue generation, donor engagement, and relationship management. The ideal candidate is both a strategist and a hands-on fundraiser who thrives in a mission-driven, growth-stage environment.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to increase annual revenue and long-term donor value
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors
• Build and manage a strong donor pipeline, with emphasis on major gifts and recurring contributions
• Partner with leadership and board members on high-level donor engagement and closing strategies

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Build and maintain meaningful, long-term donor relationships
• Design and implement a structured donor stewardship program to increase retention and lifetime value
• Oversee donor communications including acknowledgments, impact reports, and personalized outreach

Campaigns, Messaging & Storytelling

• Develop compelling, mission-driven messaging that inspires giving
• Lead fundraising campaigns including annual appeals, Giving Tuesday, and special initiatives
• Translate program outcomes into clear, emotionally compelling donor narratives

Events & Community Engagement

• Plan and execute donor-focused events and engagement opportunities
• Represent the Foundation at community events, meetings, and public forums
• Build strategic partnerships with corporate and community stakeholders

Grants & Institutional Funding

• Identify and pursue grant opportunities
• Lead development of LOIs and full grant proposals
• Manage grants calendar, submissions, and reporting requirements

Data, Reporting & Systems

• Utilize CRM tools to track donor activity, forecast revenue, and measure performance
• Provide regular reporting on fundraising progress and KPIs
• Continuously refine strategies using data and insights

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in fundraising, development, or donor relations (nonprofit preferred)
• Proven success in securing donations and managing donor relationships
• Strong communication and storytelling skills
• Experience with CRM systems and fundraising analytics
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Compensation (1099 Contractor)

This is a 1099 independent contractor role, not a W-2 employee position. Compensation is structured to reward performance and fundraising success.

Recommended Market Range:

• Base Retainer: $5,000 – $8,000/month (depending on experience and expected hours)

Why This Role

• Direct impact on public safety and community well-being
• Opportunity to build and shape the fundraising function from the ground up
• Flexible, remote-friendly structure
• High upside tied to performance