Description

The Donor Relations Specialist supports the development and fundraising efforts for Valley Cities by crafting compelling donor communications, managing a portfolio of prospective donors, and coordinating gift solicitation and stewardship strategies. This role emphasizes donor stewardship, communication, and engagement to foster a positive giving experience and long-term donor retention. This position also actively represents Valley Cities in the community by participating in tabling events, chamber meetings, and other outreach opportunities to build relationships, increase visibility, and strengthen connections with current and prospective supporters. The Donor Relations Specialist is a full-time position that reports directly to the Director of Development and Community Giving.

Essential Job Functions

•          Develop and implement donor stewardship plans to cultivate and retain donors.
•          Manage a portfolio of individual donors, maintaining regular and meaningful communication.
•          Coordinate personalized outreach, including thank-you letters, emails, and calls.
•          Track donor interactions and giving history in the organization’s CRM/database and maintain accurate donor database.
•          Prepare donor reports, impact updates, and recognition materials.
•          Assist in planning donor appreciation events and engagement opportunities.
•          Respond to donor inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
•          Identify opportunities to upgrade donor giving levels
•          Assist with the creation of a comprehensive annual fund program and the annual report.
•          Assist with major gifts and planned giving opportunities.
•          Solicit vendors and businesses for event & program sponsorships.
•          Support fundraising events.
•          Represent the organization in the community through outreach activities such as tabling events, chamber of commerce participation, and other networking opportunities
•          Attend Valley Cities meetings and travel to and from work related meetings and events as required.
•          All other duties as assigned.
  

Working Conditions

Work is performed inside and outside in varying temperatures.  Employee may occasionally be required to push or lift up to 25 pounds.  May be exposed to office supply odors or vapors. Employee is sitting, most of the time. Employee is also required to stand, walk, type, bend, write, read, interpret, and explain complex issues and speak on the telephone.  Employee will be required to travel to all Valley Cities sites and assigned meetings in varying locations.  Early morning, weekend, and evening meetings may be required.

Universal Precaution Category: 3

1 = Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue.

2 = Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue, but employment may require performing

       unplanned Category 1 procedures.

3 = Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue and Category 1 tasks are not a condition for

       employment.

Requirements

Education:

• HS degree required. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising Leadership, Communications preferred, or equivalent, or comparable experience in donor cultivation and solicitation.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience fundraising, sales, or related experience. Non-profit experience preferred.
•          Experience with Salesforce, Canva, Constant Contact, donor databases, Officer 365 preferred.
•          Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a diverse range of audiences

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

•          Goal-orientated with a high level of initiative and energy
•          Attention to detail.
•          Dynamic presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills, attention to details, and organizational skills to handle multiple projects/tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to work effectively within a team environment, to interact with personnel at all levels in the organization and relate well to clients and families, and contacts outside the organization.
• Exercise discretion and holds confidential any business and personnel matters pertaining to Valley Cities.
• Exhibits professional manner when interfacing with professional staff, Valley Cities’ visitors, contractors, vendors, and programs and services providers.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Flexibility in meeting deadlines and adjusting schedules to changing priorities.