Philanthropy Specialist

One More Child•Lakeland, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Philanthropy Specialist manages and cultivates a large portfolio of Annual Fund donors through meaningful stewardship, discovery, intentional cultivation, and appropriate solicitation. This role is critical to the success of fundraising at One More Child by strengthening donor relationships, increasing retention and engagement, growing philanthropic investment, and identifying opportunities for donors to deepen their partnership with the organization. Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual Philanthropy, the Specialist monitors donor giving patterns, interests, and engagement to develop appropriate relationship strategies and identify donors with potential for increased giving or movement to higher-level portfolios. The Specialist serves as a trusted point of contact for donors and collaborates with Philanthropy Officers and the Director of Stewardship to provide a personal, mission-centered donor experience that encourages deeper engagement and lasting partnership with One More Child.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or relevant professional experience.
At least three years of professional work experience in fundraising, customer service, relationship management, sales, communications, nonprofit, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including donors, volunteers, colleagues, and community partners.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently and authentically with individuals and groups through phone, written, digital, and in-person interactions.
Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer and donor service, exercise sound judgment, and respond with professionalism and discretion.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, follow through on commitments, maintain accurate records, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated initiative, accountability, adaptability, and strong self-leadership.
Willingness and ability to develop knowledge and skills in fundraising and philanthropy through ongoing training, coaching, and independent study.
Alignment with and commitment to the Christian mission, values, and ministry of One More Child.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in fundraising, donor relations, annual giving, sales, customer success, or another relationship-focused role, with demonstrated success engaging and retaining individuals.
Experience using a CRM or donor management system to track interactions, analyze giving or engagement activity, maintain accurate records, and support relationship management.
Experience in a nonprofit or Christian ministry environment, with an understanding of philanthropy, donor stewardship, and the importance of connecting individuals to mission and impact.

Responsibilities

Build and steward relationships with Annual Fund donors by serving as a primary Philanthropy point of contact for donors at this giving level and engaging them through timely, personal, and meaningful communications that strengthen their connection to One More Child.
Cultivate and retain Annual Fund donors through personalized phone, digital, written, and other appropriate communications designed to increase donor engagement, strengthen retention, and encourage increased giving over time.
Manage a substantial portfolio of Annual Fund donors, developing and executing individualized stewardship and engagement strategies based on giving history, interests, engagement, and demonstrated potential.
Proactively thank and acknowledge donors following philanthropic gifts and ensure donors receive a timely, authentic, and mission-centered experience that reinforces the impact of their generosity.
Qualify Annual Fund donors for deeper engagement and increased philanthropic potential by identifying indicators of capacity, affinity, engagement, and readiness for additional relationship-building or movement to higher-level portfolios.
Monitor and analyze donor giving and engagement activity to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within the Annual Fund portfolio and recommend appropriate strategies to increase retention, engagement, and giving.
Collaborate closely with Philanthropy Officers to share donor intelligence, identify prospects with potential for increased giving, facilitate appropriate introductions, and recommend next steps for donors who may be ready for a higher level of relationship management.
Serve as the Development lead for drop-in tours, donor visits, and interest meetings, providing a welcoming, knowledgeable, and mission-centered experience for current and prospective donors while identifying opportunities for continued engagement.
Provide exceptional donor service and relationship support by serving as a primary Development point of contact for miscellaneous donor inquiries and requests related to giving, ensuring questions and needs are addressed promptly and professionally.
Assist donors with giving-related needs, including payment and account updates, recurring gifts, ACH setup, recurring gift cancellations or increases, demographic changes, tax statements, gift acknowledgements, and other routine giving requests.
Document donor interactions, preferences, interests, and engagement opportunities accurately and consistently in the CRM, ensuring relevant information is available to support coordinated donor relationship management across the Development team.
Coordinate with Development Operations to resolve donor issues, process requests, and provide backup support as needed, ensuring a seamless and responsive donor experience.
Participate in Annual Giving strategies, campaigns, and initiatives by providing donor insights and supporting activities designed to strengthen the Annual Fund pipeline and advance donors toward deeper engagement with One More Child.
Represent One More Child professionally and missionally in all donor interactions, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the organization's Christian mission and its work on behalf of vulnerable children and families.
Representing One More Child requires the person to be comfortable articulating its Christian mission and engaging donors from a faith-based perspective.
Perform other duties as assigned.