Donor Engagement Manager

Kentucky Humane Society•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Donor Engagement Manager strengthens relationships with current donors and manages the Kentucky Humane Society’s giving society and planned giving programs to advance revenue goals. The role focuses on donor retention, meaningful engagement, gift renewal, recognition, and increased philanthropic support through personalized communications and thoughtful stewardship. In collaboration with Outreach Department colleagues, the manager develops and implements a coordinated stewardship program that demonstrates the impact of donors’ gifts and deepens their connection to the organization. The position manages day-to-day giving society operations and develops year-round outreach for Lifelong Friends, the organization’s planned giving program. It also leads or supports annual fund campaigns, direct mail, and digital or email fundraising initiatives in partnership with the PR-Marketing Team. The manager supports signature events, represents KHS at community and public events, and may serve as a spokesperson in media appearances. Work includes extended periods of sitting, communicating, and listening, as well as intermittent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing. The position intermittently lifts, carries, or moves objects weighing up to and exceeding 50 pounds. The work takes place in an indoor desk environment and may involve animals in indoor or outdoor shelter settings and varying weather conditions. Local travel in the Louisville area is required to meet donors and support events. Potential exposures include allergens, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, loud noise, and emotionally challenging circumstances. The environment is fast-paced.

Requirements

Three or more years of fundraising or communications experience is preferred.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Advanced computer knowledge, including MS Word and Excel, and ability to learn new software.
Ability to represent the Kentucky Humane Society professionally and in accordance with the American Professional Fundraising Code of Ethics.
Support the use of approved AI tools when they can improve efficiency and reduce routine or administrative work while meeting quality, accuracy, confidentiality, and professional standards.
Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
Self-directed, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with little direct supervision.
Ability to envision long-range goals and apply them to daily operations.
Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people of all backgrounds and personalities.
Humane attitude toward animals.
Ability to accept, support, and represent KHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and willingness to drive KHS vehicles.
Background check required.
High school degree or equivalent required.
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited university preferred.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of fundraising or communications experience.
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited university.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of the giving society, including membership tracking, welcome communications, renewals, recognition, and engagement.
Maintain giving society membership criteria, giving levels, recognition guidelines, and benefits.
Develop personalized outreach to welcome new donors and members, celebrate continued participation, and encourage renewals.
Monitor giving to identify prospective members, opportunities to increase giving, and potential Lifelong Friends planned giving supporters.
Conduct assigned weekly donor thank-you calls and face-to-face cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation meetings.
Organize and host events for giving society members and Lifelong Friends.
Identify opportunities for increased annual gifts, multiyear commitments, recurring gifts, and other support aligned with donor interests.
Develop and execute year-long Lifelong Friends outreach to generate interest, deepen relationships, and secure commitments.
Cultivate, steward, and recognize Lifelong Friends through personalized communications, one-on-one interactions, and meaningful engagement aligned with their philanthropic goals.
Coordinate with Development Team colleagues on referrals and donor relationship management.
Maintain accurate donor records, including interactions, interests, recognition preferences, membership status, and next steps.
Track memberships, renewals, upgrades, and lapses; use donor data and member feedback to prioritize outreach and strengthen stewardship.
Follow organizational policies on donor privacy, gift acceptance, and ethical fundraising.
Communicate with the Development Director about unusual activities, significant problems, or concerns.
Lead or support annual fund campaigns, direct mail, and digital or email fundraising initiatives in close partnership with the PR-Marketing Team.
Track and analyze campaign performance metrics to refine future strategies.
Support KHS signature events as needed.
Serve as a spokesperson for the Kentucky Humane Society in media appearances as needed.
Represent the Kentucky Humane Society at community events, networking opportunities, and other public forums.
Perform other duties as assigned.