Manager of Leadership Giving

United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability.

To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence.  We partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. Our vision is that Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents’ quality of life.

Position Summary

The Manager of Leadership Giving will identify, qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective leadership-level donors, increasing philanthropic support to advance United Way of Central Indiana’s mission. This role is responsible for managing a personal portfolio of 300 mid-level donors (giving $1,000-$9,999, annually), strengthening their connection with United Way and providing meaningful donor engagement with United Way’s mission, resulting in long-term financial commitments to the organization with the goal of growth to a major gift level or planned gift. The Manager of Leadership Giving will deliver excellent donor experiences, marked by empathy, active listening, persuasive communication, and exemplary customer service, while upholding the mission, integrity, and values of United Way of Central Indiana.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Portfolio Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 300 individual donors who give $1,000-$9,999 annually to United Way of Central Indiana.
• Conduct at least 120 meaningful donor interactions annually, with an emphasis on in-person meetings to deepen relationships and inspire giving.
• Support and participate in strategic solicitations of leadership, major, planned, and Tocqueville Society gifts, including from donors outside of the assigned portfolio, and involvement of Executive Team members, such as United Way’s CEO.
• Cultivate donor relationships through personalized and consistent communication, visits, and event participation.
• Proactively identify and qualify new prospective Leadership donors in collaboration with the Leadership Giving Director, ensuring a healthy and evolving portfolio.
• Develop and regularly update individualized donor strategies using data, insights, and moves management best practices to deepen engagement and increase giving.
• Participate in donor cultivation and stewardship events, including small-group engagements and Forever United Network programming, in partnership with the Donor Relations Manager.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in EmpowerPack (United Way’s Salesforce CRM), including contact reports and donor engagement plans for all portfolio donors.
• Ensure proper recognition of Leadership-level donors and assist the Leadership Giving Director in maintaining accurate membership lists and tracking engagement.
• Collaborate with colleagues across United Way of Central Indiana, including Brand, Impact, and Technology Business Intelligence, to develop compelling donor communications, including proposals, stewardship reports, and customized materials.
• Support the Leadership Giving Director and Manager of Donor Relations in identifying leadership level donors who are good candidates for Forever United Network groups as part of a deeper engagement plan.
• Actively and creatively engage and steward Leadership donors who do not desire traditional donor call stewardship and cultivation.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and stewardship of all donor gifts.

 Annual Goals & Collaboration

• Meet or exceed annual goals for revenue, donor visits, and other engagement benchmarks.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Leadership, Major, and Transformational Giving team to support broader pipeline strategies and ensure a unified donor experience.
• Lead or support short-term initiatives or workgroups aimed at enhancing leadership-giving practices strategy or donor experience.
• Stay informed of trends in philanthropy, fundraising strategy, and donor engagement by participating in professional development opportunities and sector events.

 Qualifications (Education & Experience)

*Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education where appropriate.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; nonprofit management, philanthropic studies, communications, business administration, etc.
• 2-4 years of successful fundraising experience, with demonstrated ability to solicit and secure annual gifts of $1,000 or more preferred
• Experience managing a donor portfolio using moves management or similar relationship-based fundraising practices
• CFRE certification preferred
• Knowledge of the Central Indiana community and human services sector preferred

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship practices across the giving lifecycle
• Persuasive written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to donors, volunteers, and senior leaders
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute individualized donor strategies informed by data and giving history
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce strongly preferred) for maintaining accurate records, contact reports, and engagement plans
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume portfolio and meet activity and revenue goals
•  Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams, including Brand, Impact, and Technology & Business Intelligence
• High degree of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism