Donor Relations Officer

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) is seeking a Donor Relations Officer to join their Philanthropy team. This role focuses on building relationships with individuals passionate about animals and the community, identifying and cultivating prospective donors, developing solicitation strategies, securing major and planned gifts, and providing exceptional stewardship. The ideal candidate is energized by connecting people with causes, comfortable asking for transformational gifts, and excited about turning philanthropic vision into real-world impact. This position is full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends. A hybrid schedule may be considered after an initial training period and 90 days of employment. HSPPR is a nonprofit animal shelter serving multiple counties in Colorado and employs over 250 people. They are committed to diversity and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
3–5 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising or a related fundraising role
A demonstrated track record of developing proposals, soliciting gifts, and securing major philanthropic support
Experience soliciting gifts of $10,000 or more
Strong relationship-building, communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
Experience with Raiser's Edge or similar donor databases and prospect/wealth research tools
Familiarity with planned giving and smart-giving strategies
Strong organizational and analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail
Confidence communicating with donors, community leaders, professional advisors, organizational leadership, and board members
Strong Microsoft Office and Teams skills, with the ability to quickly learn new technology
A collaborative spirit and the ambition to pursue meaningful fundraising goals
The ability to remain composed, professional, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment
A genuine commitment to treating animals and people with respect and kindness
A valid Colorado driver's license and insurable driving record

Nice To Haves

CFRE, CSPG, CAWA, or fundraising certification preferred
Comprehensive or capital campaign experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of 150+ major donors and prospects, with an emphasis on gifts of $10,000 and higher.
Develop authentic, long-term relationships through personal meetings, mission experiences, tours, events, educational opportunities, and thoughtful communication.
Listen carefully to donors' interests and motivations and connect their philanthropic goals with HSPPR's strategic priorities.
Provide exceptional stewardship through personalized outreach, recognition, timely follow-up, and responsive donor service.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects.
Develop customized cultivation and solicitation strategies in partnership with the Director of Development, Individual Giving Manager, Vice President of Philanthropy, CEO, and other organizational leaders.
Develop compelling proposals, appeals, and renewal requests for major donors.
Help secure philanthropic support for special initiatives, including capital projects, capital reserve funding, comprehensive campaigns, and emerging organizational priorities.
Introduce donors to planned giving opportunities and work collaboratively with HSPPR leadership to develop these relationships.
Help donors explore meaningful giving options such as bequests, donor-advised funds, IRA qualified charitable distributions, stock transfers, and other tax-smart giving vehicles.
Build relationships with financial planners, tax professionals, estate attorneys, fiduciaries, and other wealth-adjacent professionals who can help connect donors with HSPPR.
Organize engaging mission-related gatherings, educational opportunities, small-group tours, and exclusive experiences for major donors and prospects.
Support major donor engagement at signature events including Fur Ball, Pawtoberfest, and Whisker Brunch.
Partner with Events and Corporate Giving teams to develop and manage meaningful major donor sponsorship opportunities.
Work closely with Philanthropy, Communications, Events, Corporate Giving, departmental leaders, board members, and committees.
Collaborate on donor communications, special appeals, digital campaigns, and resources that increase awareness of giving opportunities.
Maintain thorough and accurate donor records, strategies, interactions, and follow-up in Raiser's Edge and other team systems.
Contribute to fundraising strategy, reporting, metrics, and evaluation of program success.