Manager of Donor Engagement

Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

2d•$68,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

For over 60 years, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga has strengthened the community by transforming generosity into lasting change. It exists to connect donors’ passions - their values - with purpose, so that they can have a meaningful impact on the community. The mission of the Community Foundation is to transform generosity into lasting change toward a more just and prosperous Chattanooga where all residents can reach their full potential. The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga is a trusted community partner, serving at the intersection between ideas and action, needs and resources, donors, and non-profits. The Community Foundation currently has assets under management of over $300M. The Foundation distributed over $34M in grants last year. The Manager of Donor Engagement is responsible for managing relationships with donors and fundholders, delivering high-quality philanthropic advising, and supporting donor engagement strategies aligned with CFGC’s priorities. This role focuses on executing personalized engagement plans, facilitating meaningful giving experiences, and connecting donors to strategic opportunities that address community needs. The Manager works collaboratively across teams, takes initiative to solve problems and enhance donor satisfaction, strengthens partnerships, and advance CFGC’s impact.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in donor relations, philanthropy, nonprofit management, or related field
Strong communication, organization, and relationship management skills.
Familiarity with philanthropic vehicles (e.g., donor-advised funds, endowments, planned giving).
Detail-oriented with strong follow-through, collaboration skills, initiative, sound problem-solving judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to respectful relationships and excellent service.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of donors and fundholders by executing individualized engagement, stewardship, and retention plans.
Cultivate strong, respectful relationships through donor, family, and advisor meetings, correspondence, regular follow-up, and conversations that clarify philanthropic goals and connect donors to meaningful giving opportunities, nonprofit partners, and CFGC priorities.
Support engagement of next-generation and emerging donors through stewardship activities, events, and learning experiences.
Develop giving strategies and philanthropic roadmaps, and provide legacy giving support, including Letters of Instruction.
Serve as the Philanthropy Department’s lead for nonprofit research by preparing customized donor briefings and funding recommendations that connect donor interests with community needs, tracking emerging community needs and grant opportunities, coordinating nonprofit inquiries, and developing resources that support informed donor decision-making and strategic grant recommendations.
Work in partnership with other Foundation staff to help donors better understand local needs, nonprofit effectiveness, philanthropic trends, and strategic community responses through donor learning experiences, impact reporting, and storytelling.
Support planning and execution of donor, advisor, and community engagement events, including occasional evening or weekend participation, and represent CFGC at events, meetings, and community engagements.
Develop donor-facing content, communications, briefings, and impact stories in collaboration with Marketing & Communications.
Conduct outreach and maintain relationships with nonprofit fundholders and agency partners, providing guidance on endowment management, stewardship, donor engagement, and service utilization.
Provide support as needed in processing grants and donor correspondence accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Foundation policies and procedures.
Maintain accurate CRM records, engagement documentation, donor activity notes, related data, and reporting to support planning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Partner collaboratively with other Foundation staff to solve problems, ensure operational accuracy, review financial information appropriately, and provide timely follow-through.
Contribute to a collaborative culture by regularly sharing donor updates, stories and outcomes with Philanthropy and Communications Teams and CEO through donor notes in CRM system as well as regular updates and briefings.