Donor Relations Specialist

TITLE: Donor Relations Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Development

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

The Donor Relations Specialist at Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (KNF) supports fundraising by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role manages donor relations, membership program, annual fund efforts, planned giving, grant writing, and donor outreach as directed. The Specialist works with staff, Board members, and volunteers to create and implement an annual Development Plan to meet short- and long-term funding goals. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Portfolio and Campaign Management

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, manage and grow KNF’s annual fund drive, membership and planned giving programs

• Identify prospects, assist in the cultivation of new donors and steward existing donors

• Help create cultivation plans for prospects and donors, identify opportunities for major and planned gifts, and collaborate with Board members, volunteers, and staff to develop and implement engagement and solicitation strategies as needed.

• Research new grant opportunities from corporations and foundations, making and developing professional contacts.

• Create proposals and reports for current, on-going and new grants

• Support Board-led Endowment and Capital campaigns

Event, Engagement and Programming

• Solicit and secure sponsorships for community anchor events

• Plan and coordinate fundraising and donor recognition events

• Work closely with education, marketing, and ship staff to integrate development opportunities within annual program calendar

Administration and Support

• Oversee the donor database (DonorPerfect) by ensuring accurate research, comprehensive recordkeeping, and thorough documentation, including maintenance of mailing lists, call reports, giving histories, and biographical information

• Prepare and manage a development calendar for donor communications, cultivation, and stewardship opportunities

• Track and provide regular reporting on progress, performance, and metrics for fundraising goals

• Manage and grow the membership program

• Prepare and present reports highlighting fundraising results as required

• Serve as staff liaison to the KNF Development Committee, assisting with meeting agendas, minutes, and logistics

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two to three years of successful experience in fundraising

• Demonstrated ability to develop operating and/or capital funds: corporate and individual giving, government and foundation grants, fundraising events and membership programs

• Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of DE fundraising laws, regulations, and funding sources at all levels

• Management of annual fundraising campaigns, personally soliciting funds, and motivating others to solicit funds

• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail and effective time management skills in a flexible and changing work environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven success collaborating with diverse teams to manage projects effectively

• Ambitious work ethic with a high level of action and productivity

• Experience working with donor databases; DonorPerfect experience is preferred

• Experience with museums, maritime-oriented organizations and/or educational programming is preferred

• Must pass a criminal background check and drug test

• Self-confidence and a sense of humor

EXPECTATIONS:

Commitment of 40 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings

SALARY:

$60,000 and benefits. Benefits include: Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision (after 90 days), Retirement Plan (after 1 year), Paid Leave, 12 paid holidays, sailing passes and gift shop discount. This position is an exempt salaried position.

TO APPLY:

Please send Cover Letter and Resume to office[at]kalmarnyckel.org

Initial consideration will be given to applications received by July 13, 2026.