Donor Engagement Manager

KENTUCKY HUMANE SOCIETY•St. Matthews, KY

1d•Onsite

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, and increased philanthropic support through personalized communications and thoughtful recognition. 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 manager oversees day-to-day giving society operations and Lifelong Friends planned-giving outreach, including membership tracking, renewals, recognition, donor cultivation, and events. The position also leads or supports annual fund campaigns, direct mail, and digital or email fundraising initiatives in partnership with the PR-Marketing Team, and tracks campaign performance. Additional duties include supporting signature events, representing KHS at community and networking events, and serving as a spokesperson in media appearances as needed. The role involves working in an indoor desk environment and interacting with animals in indoor and outdoor shelter settings, including varying weather conditions. It includes local travel in the Louisville area to meet donors and support events. Potential exposures include allergens, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, loud noise, and emotionally challenging circumstances.

Requirements

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 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.
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.
Ability to sit, communicate, and listen for extended periods.
Ability to intermittently bend, reach, kneel, walk, and stand while performing job functions.
Ability to intermittently lift, carry, or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to and exceeding 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of the giving society, including membership tracking, welcome communications, renewals, recognition, and engagement.
Maintain 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 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 regarding unusual activities, significant problems, or concerns.
Lead or support annual fund campaigns, direct mail, and digital or email fundraising initiatives in 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.