Donor Relations Specialist - Wilson & Robertson Counties

Job Summary

The Donor Relations Specialist is responsible for securing build sponsorships and soliciting financial gifts to support Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville (HFHGN) in Wilson and Robertson Counties. This role will serve as the primary point of contact for Wilson and Robertson sponsors and donors, ensuring their needs and expectations are met. The Donor Relations Specialist engages with members of each county’s Community Advisory Council to harness their connections within the community to recruit build and event sponsors.

Key Responsibility Areas

House Sponsorships

• Identify, cultivate, and secure build sponsorships from organizations, congregations, foundations and individuals in support of the builds in Wilson and Robertson Counties.
• Monitor and report on the progress of sponsorship and fundraising efforts, documenting all partner and prospects journeys in Salesforce as they move from prospects to funders. Analyze data to identify trends and recommend and implement opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee relationships with key house sponsors to ensure that a positive experience is had by all investors and volunteers, and sponsorships are repeated and expanded.
• Ensure the submission of “Build Sponsor Form” once a build sponsor commits to partnering with Habitat to trigger the creation of the Build Sponsor Agreement, Volunteer Coordinator Form and other build tasks including the pre- and post- build meetings.
• Works in partnership with marketing on home dedication ceremonies in Wilson and Robertson Counties.
• Participate at the build site to welcome and integrate sponsors and volunteers.
  
  

Fundraising

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors at all levels, from small to major gifts in Wilson and Robertson Counties.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of donors, ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship for each donor segment.
• Prepare and present proposals to potential donors, aligning their interests with organizational needs.
• Track and report on progress towards fundraising goals, providing regular updates.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and contributions in Salesforce.
• Responsible for securing sponsorships for key fundraising events and donations from those in attendance.
• Create and execute initiatives aimed at increasing donations and financial support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, corporations, congregations and others. Enhance relationships through scheduled calls and outreach and utilize connections to identify and connect with new prospects.
  
  

Community Advisory Councils

• Identify and recruit community leaders to serve as Community Advisory Council members in Wilson and Robertson Counties
• Ensure active and engaged Community Advisory Councils through bimonthly scheduled meetings augmented with continued communication to support securing house sponsorships, successful fundraising events, homeownership applicants, land acquisition and ReStores.
• Ensure achievement of established goals for funds raised, volunteer participation, families served and Habitat’s image in each county community.
  
  

Other

• Increase community awareness and engagement with the ReStore by educating the public about donation, volunteer, and shopping opportunities to support the ReStore in achieving its inventory acquisition and revenue goals.
• Ensure agency has a visible presence in Wilson and Robertson Counties.
• Represent Humanity of Greater Nashville at appropriate community and professional organization events
• Support Homeowner Services in recruiting future Habitat homeowners in Wilson and Robertson Counties.
• Execute administrative duties related to this position including entering and updating Salesforce with prospect and partner information.
• Participate in all staff training events
• Other duties as directed by management
  
  

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Fully responsible for raising all necessary revenue required to fund builds in Wilson and Robertson Counties. This includes but is not limited house sponsorship funding, special event funding, large gift solicitation and general donations, grant identification and fulfillment, and lot funding not covered by central office grants.
• Be the visible face of Habitat in the community(s) and ensure a positive image and connection to influencers and financial supporters in the community(s).
• Works effectively with Community Advisory Council members.
• Must have the ability to relate to people of different ethnicities, faiths and incomes.
• Must have the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously in a timely manner.
• Position requires a valid TN Driver’s License and an insurable driving record.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ work experience required; non-profit, volunteer management and development experience strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the local funding community required.
• Must have computer skills including Microsoft Teams and Salesforce, and excellent verbal communication skills.
• Must have the ability and desire to work respectfully with people of all cultures, languages, national origins, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, classes, immigration statuses, sexual orientations, gender identity and expressions, ages, mental or physical abilities, and other diversity factors. Must conduct all activities in accordance with Habitat principles and values.
  
  

Time Requirements

This position will require 40 hours per work week. Some evening and weekend work is required. On-site presence on pre-determined build days, including Saturdays and Sundays required. Satisfactory attendance is required.