Donor Relations & Development Coordinator

Position Summary

The Library Foundation of Hancock County seeks a part-time, contract-based Donor Relations & Development Coordinator to grow and sustain philanthropic support for the Hancock County Library System.

This individual will report to the President of the Library Foundation and collaborate closely with the Executive Director of the Hancock County Library System. While working in partnership with library leadership, this position is accountable to the Foundation.

The primary purpose of this role is to increase annual giving, expand corporate sponsorships, cultivate major donors, and strengthen donor stewardship and recognition systems.

Time Commitment

Estimated average of 5–8 hours per week, with flexibility during peak fundraising periods (particularly October–December in advance of the Holiday Tree Gala).

Compensation

Contract position.

Negotiated monthly retainer based on experience and scope of responsibilities.

Core Responsibilities

1. Donor Development & Cultivation

• Develop structured individual giving levels.

• Identify and cultivate new individual donors.

• Pursue mid-level and major gifts.

• Develop naming opportunity proposals (rooms, spaces, programs).

• Maintain donor tracking and pipeline management system.

2. Corporate Sponsorship Development & Grant Writing

• Create structured sponsorship packages with clear levels and benefits.

• Secure annual sponsors for Foundation events and initiatives.

• Expand sponsor engagement beyond single-event participation.

• Identify grant opportunities; develop, write, and manage grant proposals and reporting to

support and expand Library Foundation programs and initiatives.

3. Stewardship & Retention

• Ensure timely donor acknowledgment and recognition.

• Develop a twice-yearly donor appreciation communication.

• Coordinate meaningful donor engagement and relationship-building.

• Strengthen donor retention rates.

4. Holiday Tree Gala Leadership

• Lead sponsorship and donor engagement strategy for the annual Holiday Tree Gala.

• Coordinate revenue strategy for the event.

• Oversee follow-up and stewardship after the event.

5. Marketing, Communications & Donor Engagement

• Develop and maintain a clear case statement outlining the value and measurable impact

of the Hancock County Library System.

• Collaborate with Foundation leadership on the creation and strategic use of the Library

Foundation newsletter.

• Ensure the newsletter:

o Highlights programs and initiatives funded by the Foundation.

o Includes structured opportunities for donor recognition.

o Promotes giving levels and naming opportunities.

o Includes clear and compelling calls to action for donations.

o Sponsorships for newletter

• Strengthen donor storytelling through impact-driven messaging (showing outcomes, not

just activities).

• Create professional marketing materials demonstrating return on investment for donors

and sponsors.

• Align all donor communications with a structured annual fundraising calendar.

6. Community Engagement

• Attend select community events to pursue potential sponsors and donors.

• Represent the Foundation professionally within the community.

7. Bookstore Volunteer Coordination (Support Role)

• Assist in coordinating bookstore volunteers.

• Financial oversight remains with bookstore leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This role will be evaluated based on measurable outcomes, including:

• Year-over-year increase in donor revenue.

• Acquisition of new mid-level donors ($1,000 ).

• Acquisition of new major donors ($5,000 ).

• Increased sponsorship revenue across events.

• Donor retention rate of 70% or greater.

• Documented donor tracking system established.

• Structured annual fundraising calendar developed.

Qualifications & Personal Attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong relationship-building skills.

• Confidence in soliciting financial support.

• Strategic thinking and long-term donor cultivation mindset.

• Professional written and verbal communication skills.

• Self-motivation and ability to work independently.

• High emotional intelligence and community awareness.

• Organizational discipline and attention to detail.

Experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, sponsorship sales, or community relations preferred.