Development and Donor Relations Manager

Easterseals Bluegrass•Lexington, KY

13d

About The Position

The Development and Donor Relations Manager is a key member of Easterseals Bluegrass’ Development team, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, communications, and community relations. The role supports philanthropic growth by managing donor cultivation, fundraising campaigns and events, stewardship, and community partnerships, with a particular emphasis on annual giving, donor stewardship, relationship management, and strategic communications. The manager develops and coordinates annual and recurring giving initiatives, communications, direct mail campaigns, fundraising events, donor recognition, and stewardship plans. The position also manages relationships with annual and mid-level donors, supports community and corporate partnerships, and maintains donor database accuracy and reporting. The manager works with the Director of Development and executive leadership on organizational and departmental goals, and supervises the Development and Communications Specialist.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, communications, marketing, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in donor relations, fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and communications initiatives.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Experience with donor databases/CRMs, such as Raisers’ Edge, email marketing platforms, and social media management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.
Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events and community engagement activities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, public relations, business, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in healthcare, disability services, human services, or nonprofit organizations.
Graphic design, photography, or content creation experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and launch new donor engagement programs in partnership with the Director to strengthen community connections and diversify the donor pipeline.
Manage and coordinate annual giving campaigns and recurring-giving initiatives.
Develop donor communications, appeals, and campaign materials.
Track campaign participation, revenue, and donor retention; identify opportunities to upgrade annual and recurring donors.
Meet or exceed fundraising metrics established by the Director and CEO.
Develop and execute direct mail campaigns with effective, mission-driven donor appeals.
Manage logistics, vendors, and communications for signature fundraising events.
Coordinate event invitations, reminders, follow-up, sponsorships, and post-event stewardship plans.
Ensure donors receive appropriate recognition and follow-up.
Track donor engagement and stewardship activities in the donor database/CRM to support relationship and moves management.
Develop and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship calendar and provide timely, personalized acknowledgments.
Execute donor recognition activities, including calls, notes, and visits; create impact communications and donor reports.
Follow stewardship plans based on giving levels and donor interests.
Manage relationships and regular communications with assigned annual and mid-level donor portfolios.
Identify, develop, and expand donor portfolios to increase engagement or major gifts; recommend donor movement and cultivation opportunities to the Director.
Develop relationships with community businesses and smaller corporate partners, and manage smaller sponsorship opportunities as delegated by the Director.
Maintain accurate donor records and relationship information; manage segmentation for appeals, stewardship, and communications.
Monitor donor retention, acquisition, upgrade, and recurring-giving metrics.
Work with the Director of Development and executive leadership to achieve organizational goals; support development and communications projects and timelines; and collaborate on strategic planning and departmental goal setting.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in donor and organizational interactions.
Supervise the Development and Communications Specialist.