Senior Manager of Donor Engagement (Project Management)
Position Summary
The Senior Manager of Donor Engagement is a strategic leader responsible for shaping and advancing the organization's donor engagement philosophy. This role drives the vision and execution of a comprehensive stewardship and cultivation strategy that deepens donor relationships, enhances donor experience, and strengthens long-term philanthropic partnerships. Collaborating closely with senior leadership and frontline fundraisers, the Senior Manager ensures that stewardship efforts are aligned with organizational goals and donor expectations, fostering a culture of gratitude, transparency, and impact.
Strategic Leadership Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction and evolution of the Donor Engagement function, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and fundraising priorities.
- Serve as a thought partner to the Senior Director and executive leadership, contributing to the development of enterprise-wide donor engagement strategies.
- Champion a data-informed approach to donor experience, leveraging insights to refine engagement strategies and enhance donor satisfaction and retention.
- Cultivate a high-performing team culture by mentoring and developing staff, fostering innovation, and promoting cross-functional collaboration.
- Represent the Donor Engagement function in planning, budgeting, and organizational decision-making processes.
Strategic Stewardship and Engagement
- Design and oversee the implementation of a multi-tiered stewardship framework that delivers personalized, meaningful engagement across donor segments.
- Partner with leadership to craft high-impact, high-touch stewardship experiences for top-tier donors, including customized communications and recognition strategies.
- Lead the integration of stewardship into the organization's broader donor journey, ensuring seamless collaboration across Development, Marketing, and Community Impact teams.
- Guide the development and use of stewardship tools, content, and platforms to support scalable and consistent donor engagement.
- Oversee the measurement and evaluation of stewardship effectiveness, using KPIs and dashboards to inform continuous improvement.
Donor Experience Innovation
- Collaborate with the Events team to reimagine donor engagement opportunities, ensuring they reflect strategic priorities and donor interests.
- Lead efforts to modernize donor communications and engagement channels, incorporating digital tools and storytelling to enhance impact.
- Serve as a strategic advisor on donor relations best practices, staying abreast of trends and innovations in philanthropy and donor engagement.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a focus on donor stewardship and engagement in a complex, high-volume environment.
- Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong writing skills and experience crafting donor reports and correspondence.
- Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience with CRM systems and data analytics tools; familiarity with StratusLive is a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered philanthropy.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Generous paid time off
- Parental leave
- On-site Gym
- $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
- $250 employee referral bonus
