What are the responsibilities and job description for the Philanthropy and Engagement Associate position at Great Plains Spca?
Philanthropy and Engagement Associate
Job Description
Class: Exempt January 2026
Location: Onsite
Salary: $45,000 - $55,000
Reports to: Manager of Philanthropy and Engagement
Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area; a platinum rated Candid charity that serves 6,800 animals annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.
- Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
- Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
- Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
- Want to make a daily difference for community pets?
Position Summary: The Philanthropy and Engagement Associate plays a vital frontline role in building community connection and donor relationships in support of Great Plains SPCA’s lifesaving mission. This position is evenly split between supporting community and signature events (50%) and assisting with donor engagement and fundraising programs (50%), including monthly giving, and lower to mid-level donors ($500–$2,499).
The ideal candidate is highly organized, people-oriented, and passionate about animal welfare, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities while delivering a warm, professional donor experience.
Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement (Approx. 50%) Dotted Line to Senior Major Gifts Officer
- Support the Major Gifts program by assisting with donor research, meeting preparation, stewardship activities, and follow-up communications.
- Manage and support the monthly giving program, including donor onboarding, acknowledgments, retention efforts, and upgrades.
- Assist with cultivation and stewardship of lower- and mid-level donors ($500–$2,499), including personalized outreach, event invitations, and recognition.
- Prepare donor correspondence such as thank-you letters, impact updates, and appeals, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
- Maintain accurate donor records, gift entry support, and reporting in the donor database (CRM) Bloomerang.
- Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to identify opportunities for donor engagement, upgrades, and deeper involvement.
Event Planning & Management (Approx. 50%)
- Plan, coordinate, and execute community engagement events, third-party fundraisers, and outreach opportunities.
- Provide logistical and on-site support for large-scale signature fundraising events, including setup, registration, check-in, volunteer coordination, and breakdown.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for Great Plains SPCA at community events, representing the organization with professionalism and enthusiasm.
- Coordinate event-related communications, materials, and timelines in collaboration with philanthropy and engagement staff.
- Track event participation, sponsorship fulfillment, and follow-up tasks to ensure excellent stewardship of attendees and partners.
Key Competencies
- Relationship-building and donor-centric mindset
- Event coordination and logistics management
- Time management and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Team collaboration with the ability to work independently
- Professional judgment and discretion with confidential information
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 1–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, events, fundraising, or community engagement preferred.
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
- Proficiency with donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar) and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- Passion for animal welfare and alignment with Great Plains SPCA’s mission and values
Additional Requirements
- Ability to handle dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately.
- Assist with cleaning of and care of animals as needed.
- Possess knowledge of animal behavior and training to provide options for HERO pets and Foster Pets and families.
- Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Work with staff and volunteers to provide animals and visitors with a safe, clean and pleasant experience.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills and follow through on job assignments.
- Provide a compassionate and humane environment: by demonstrating empathy and professionalism.
- Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent customer service and professionalism.
- Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients.
- Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start.
- Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Other shelter duties as assigned
Work Conditions
- Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday
- Work schedule and hours may vary; evenings and weekends may be required on occasion.
- Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
- Frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
- Must be comfortable working with animals.
- Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels.
- Ability to lift 50lbs to waist height.
At Will Employment
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.
Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.
Great Plains SPCA proudly has a live release rate of 96% as a part of the no-kill shelter movement. GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, Days of Significance plus 9 paid Holidays, 100% employer covered mental health, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care and retail store items, plus it is an engaging workplace where our team and animals are our top priority.
Salary : $45,000 - $55,000