Donor Relations Manager

Donor Relations Manager Job Description

Summary

The Donor Relations Manager (DRM), reporting to the Advancement Director, is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing financial support through relationship-building with individual, corporate, and church donors. This includes managing a portfolio of key donors, scheduling regular in-person visits, and fostering relationships to encourage ongoing engagement. The DRM will work to meet performance targets, support church partnerships, and collaborate on strategies to engage donors in giving, ensuring alignment with New Life Center's mission and values. Additionally, they will support major and planned giving initiatives and ensure that all stewardship practices align with the organization's fundraising goals.

At New Life Center, every role is a form of ministry.  We seek staff who are committed followers of Jesus Christ, aligned with our Statement of Faith, and who model our REAL values - Respectful, Encouraging, Accountable, and Loving.

Essential Functions

Essential Function 1: Face-to-Face Donor Development & Closing Donor-Centric Gifts

• Build and maintain a care list of 120-150 key donors (regular and major) with consistent quarterly engagement.
• Proactively reach out to donors and prospects to arrange in-person meetings.
• Achieve an average of 20 monthly in-person donor visits to foster and strengthen relationships.
• Accurately document all donor interactions and touchpoints promptly.
• Oversee and facilitate direct referrals for planned and deferred giving opportunities.
• Involve key donors in private and capital campaign initiatives.
• Lead closing conversations to secure gifts that align with donors’ philanthropic values and goals.
• Remain informed and up to date on gift regulations and best practices in donor fund management.

Essential Function 2: Donor Care and Gratitude

• Deliver efficient and personalized donor care to a designated portfolio of supporters.
• Respond promptly and professionally to donor inquiries via phone, email, or other communication channels.
• Identify opportunities to simplify the giving process and maximize the impact of donor contributions.
• Continuously educate and engage donors, keeping them informed about the ministry’s work and impact.
• Regularly express gratitude to donors through creative and meaningful appreciation efforts

Essential Function 3: Participate in Team Meetings, Donor Strategy, & Events

• Regularly provide insights and updates on donor interactions that influence specific campaign goals and strategies.
• Collaborate with the Advancement Director and Donor Program Manager to execute donor engagement and stewardship initiatives.
• Lead and support events that enhance awareness and generate funds for the Mission, including New Life Center’s annual fundraiser and Giving Hearts Day.
• Act as a representative of New Life Center, occasionally speaking at community meetings and events to share the Mission’s impact.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Advancement Director to further support the mission of New Life Center and the individuals we serve.

Position Reports to Andrea Feigum, Advancement Director

Andrea directs New Life Center’s fundraising, marketing, and community engagement efforts while overseeing the advancement department staff. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and corporate communications. Andrea joined New Life Center in 2021. Before that, she worked at Dakota Medical Foundation.

This job description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by the Advancement Director, the requirement for flexibility in helping others, or the highly valued team-oriented approach used for the overall benefit and success of New Life Center.

Personal

• Personal, evident, and  growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Compassionate hear for those in need.
• Willingness to serve others.
• Desire to see the lost transformed through the love of Christ.

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in face-to-face fundraising.
• Demonstrated success in securing mid-to-major gifts.

• Nonprofit experience.
• Formal public speaking experience

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with the organization’s insurance carrier requirements, and provide proof of insurance, as required for the performance of job duties.

• Proven ability to confidently ask for and secure recurring and one-time gifts of all sizes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and presentations.
• Deep passion for the mission of New Life Center and a heart for serving those in need.
• Proactive pursuit of professional growth and development, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with donors and stakeholders.
• Enthusiastic, self-assured, and positive demeanor
• High level of discretion, integrity, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Adaptability to evolving priorities and openness to direction.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and personal integrity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in desktop, mobile, and cloud-based software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.), CRM systems, and Google applications.

Work Environment

• Performs work in a professional office environment with standard lighting, temperature, and noise levels.
• Regularly uses computers, phones, and office equipment for communication, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Occasionally travels within a 150-mile radius to meet with donors, attend community events, or represent the organization off-site.
• May stand, walk, or move around event spaces during fundraising activities or meetings.
• Periodically sets up or assists with events, which may involve light lifting of materials up to 20 pounds.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.