Donor Relations Specialist

Project Overview 

CORE is a community organized relief organization based in Los Angeles with existing projects in Haiti and the Bahamas. During the COVID-19 pandemic CORE has stepped up to provide assistance to public health systems in multiple cities across the US including Los Angeles and Northern California, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago. Washington DC, and New York. Our first line of response has been COVID-19 testing, in large volume drive-through sites, but also at a community level targeted toward underserved populations. We have successfully provided 1.2 million tests to date.

Position Overview

The Donor Relations Manager will report to the VP of Partnerships, or as otherwise designated by the company. This role will oversee donor relations and all aspects of stewardship. Given the unique and unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, a successful Donor Relations Manager will be a quick learner and thrive in a fast-paced environment where adaptability and a “donor-centered” mentality is key. The VP of Partnerships is currently building out a 2021 partnerships plan focused on deepening current relationships, expanding new partners, and qualifying prospective partners.  The Donor Relations Manager will be a trusted ally and self-starter who will develop a donor engagement strategy and processes to bolster organizational success in partnerships. The end goal are happy donors, sustained funding from donors, and a steady and diverse pipeline of new partners/donors. 

Job Responsibilities/Duties 

Donor Research and Stewardship 60%

• Conduct donor research, analyze giving trends, and customize engagement with donors.

   

  Liaise with various departments such as CEO and COO staff to align maximum participation and preparation for key donor meetings.

   

  Collaborate with the CEO staff, Area Directors, Communications team and other stakeholders as necessary. Includes launch of pilot year strategy, modifying plan based on lessons learned for permanent implementation regarding donor engagement and stewardship.

   

  Lead production and distribution of donor related materials such as organizational pamphlets, leave-behind materials, and promotional items alongside Communications team and external consultants.

   

  Establish and implement a Donor Recognition Plan that includes thank you emails, letters, social media recognition, newsletter content, promotional items, and other forms of recognition as needed.

   

  Organize donor engagement events as necessary; includes virtual events as well as in-person (socially distanced during pandemic) complex, multi-day events, smaller events, and other engagement activities.

   

  Back-stop Area Partnership Managers as needed during vacation or sick leave to ensure continuity of basic communications and cultivation of donors. 

   

  Provide exceptional customer service to Board Members, major donors and high-impact volunteers as needed.

   

  Develop thank you program and implement post-meeting thank you messages/letters and associated follow-on calendar reminders. 

   

Donor Data Support 40%

• Develop donor data management processes

   

  Manage gift entry, reconciliation, acknowledgement, and reporting related to donations across multifaceted development team and campaigns.

   

  Provide systems setup and management an organization integrated platform (i.e. Customer Relationship Management and/or Donor Management System) to handle all aspects of donor and volunteer management.

   

• Coordinate and reconcile financial reporting and donor records management with respective departments.

   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, business development, nonprofit management and development, client service, account management or related field.

   

  Sharp attention to detail and data integrity.

   

  Prior experience in a nonprofit development role or for-profit client service/account management role; national-level experience preferred and international experience is a plus.

   

  Proven track record of development experience and/or partnership management/client service experience; humanitarian response experience is a plus. 

   

  Prior exposure to the development of marketing and communications materials, writing fundraising proposals, and applying for grant applications. 

   

  Experience collaborating with teams to build and execute strategic plans. 

   

  Experience using CRM systems for partnership management, cultivation, and engagement. 

   

  Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English. 

   

  Ability to use sound reasoning and judgment to resolve issues. 

   

  Ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.