Fundraising, Philanthropy, & Donor Engagement Specialist.

United Way of the Bluegrass Inc • Lexington, KY

4d • $50,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) works to create the opportunity for all members of our community to have a better life. We focus on the building blocks of a good life — a quality education, financial stability for individuals and families, and good health. The work of UWBG focuses on strategic initiatives, public education, advocacy, outcomes and evaluation, development and strengthening of partnerships/collaborations, convening, resource mobilization and investment as well as backbone and engagement strategies and activities. We bring together the voices, the expertise, and the resources to define, articulate and implement a common agenda for change for our region. That is what it means to "Live United" in Central Kentucky.

POSITION
United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) is building a strong pipeline of fundraising and donor engagement talent for current and future openings. The Fundraising & Donor Engagement Specialist supports UWBG’s revenue growth and donor relationship strategy by cultivating prospects, stewarding donors, and helping execute fundraising initiatives across corporate, workplace, and individual giving.

This role is ideal for relationship-builders who enjoy connecting mission to impact, expanding networks, and turning engagement into measurable fundraising results. Depending on organizational needs and candidate strengths, responsibilities may emphasize one or more areas including workplace campaigns, corporate partnerships, individual giving, affinity groups, sponsorships, or special events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., business, communications, nonprofit management) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, sales, account management, donor engagement, and/or relationship-based work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to present confidently to individuals and groups.
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings/weekends for events and campaigns.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, sales, or donor relationship management.
• Experience in nonprofit development, corporate partnerships, or workplace giving.
• CRM experience (Andar preferred, but not required).
• Alignment with and enthusiasm for UWBG’s mission and community impact work.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to fundraising strategies that meet or exceed annual revenue goals.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate, workplace, and/or individual donors (portfolio scope determined by assignment).
• Conduct donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, including preparing asks and follow-up communications.
• Support workplace giving efforts, including campaign planning, execution, and relationship management with employee champions.
• Identify and pursue new donor prospects, sponsorship opportunities, and business development leads.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, community stakeholders, and volunteers.
• Provide consistent donor communication, impact reporting, and recognition to strengthen retention.
• Represent UWBG at meetings, presentations, community events, and partner engagements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to connect donors with mission outcomes and engagement opportunities.
• Assist with planning and implementation of fundraising events and community campaigns.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and donor recognition (e.g., benefits delivery, signage, acknowledgments, event hosting support).
• Partner with marketing/communications to develop materials, donor messaging, and campaign content.
• Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in UWBG’s CRM system.
• Track outreach, donor interactions, pipeline activity, and progress toward revenue goals.
• Support forecasting, revenue reporting, and performance updates as requested.

Benefits

• Our robust benefits package includes 100% employer-paid premiums on employee-only health, dental, and vision plans; 3%-6% employer contributions to 401(k), employer-paid life/STD

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level