Donor Relations & Development Coordinator

Hancock County Library System•Bay St. Louis, MS

About The Position

The Library Foundation of Hancock County is seeking a part-time, contract-based Donor Relations & Development Coordinator. This role is crucial for growing and sustaining philanthropic support for the Hancock County Library System. The coordinator will report to the President of the Library Foundation and work closely with the Executive Director of the Hancock County Library System, with accountability to the Foundation. The primary goal of this position is to enhance annual giving, expand corporate sponsorships, cultivate major donors, and improve donor stewardship and recognition systems.

Requirements

Strong relationship-building skills.
Confidence in soliciting financial support.
Strategic thinking and long-term donor cultivation mindset.
Professional written and verbal communication skills.
Self-motivation and ability to work independently.
High emotional intelligence and community awareness.
Organizational discipline and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fundraising
Experience in nonprofit development
Experience in sponsorship sales
Experience in community relations

Responsibilities

Develop structured individual giving levels.
Identify and cultivate new individual donors.
Pursue mid-level and major gifts.
Develop naming opportunity proposals (rooms, spaces, programs).
Maintain donor tracking and pipeline management system.
Create structured sponsorship packages with clear levels and benefits.
Secure annual sponsors for Foundation events and initiatives.
Expand sponsor engagement beyond single-event participation.
Identify grant opportunities; develop, write, and manage grant proposals and reporting to support and expand Library Foundation programs and initiatives.
Ensure timely donor acknowledgment and recognition.
Develop a twice-yearly donor appreciation communication.
Coordinate meaningful donor engagement and relationship-building.
Strengthen donor retention rates.
Lead sponsorship and donor engagement strategy for the annual Holiday Tree Gala.
Coordinate revenue strategy for the event.
Oversee follow-up and stewardship after the event.
Develop and maintain a clear case statement outlining the value and measurable impact of the Hancock County Library System.
Collaborate with Foundation leadership on the creation and strategic use of the Library Foundation newsletter.
Ensure the newsletter highlights programs and initiatives funded by the Foundation, includes structured opportunities for donor recognition, promotes giving levels and naming opportunities, includes clear and compelling calls to action for donations, and includes sponsorships for the newsletter.
Strengthen donor storytelling through impact-driven messaging (showing outcomes, not just activities).
Create professional marketing materials demonstrating return on investment for donors and sponsors.
Align all donor communications with a structured annual fundraising calendar.
Attend select community events to pursue potential sponsors and donors.
Represent the Foundation professionally within the community.
Assist in coordinating bookstore volunteers.