Donor Relations Manager

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Donor Relations Manager serves as a results-driven team member responsible for the strategic growth and financial sustainability of our mission. This donor acquisition position is centered on identifying new prospects while deepening existing relationships, pipeline management, and delivering compelling "value propositions" that invite donors to invest in tangible life-changing outcomes. The Donor Relations Manager will drive revenue and ensure that every solicitation is an authentic invitation to partner in our mission of mercy. The successful candidate must be a strong communicator who thrives on expanding and developing our network of supporters, ensuring that House of Mercy has the resources necessary to carry out its vital work in the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Relations & Fundraising
• Responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors
• Engage directly in donor cultivation, including conducting prospect research, identifying potential individual donors, making donor calls, scheduling and leading meetings, and conducting direct fundraising asks.
• Meet with at least 10 donors per month to talk about House of Mercy, making at least 5 asks.
• Manage the donor relationship cycle of identifying prospects for upgrading from entry to mid-level donors into a major gift or planned giving categories.
• Support the creation of donor proposals and cases for support.
• Work with the Director of Development & Marketing in preparing for major gift solicitations by providing comprehensive donor briefings and research.
• Work with the team to identify and segment donors for various appeals, including the annual fund, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Collaborate with the development and marketing team to collect success stories, data, and photos that demonstrate how donor dollars are being used.
• Lead at least one fundraising event a year and provide support for already established fundraising events.
• Data & Administration
• Perform daily tasks within the CRM database, including recording contact interactions (phone calls, emails, meetings) and maintaining up-to-date donor information.
• Coordinate with the Marketing Manager to communicate marketing needs for development initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For
• Experience: At least three years of experience in Development at nonprofit organizations, with a proven track record in front-line fundraising and donor acquisition.
• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Communication & Personal Traits: Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Must be a self-starter with a strong growth mindset and a high degree of flexibility. You should be comfortable initiating outreach and making direct financial solicitations.
• Mission Alignment: A passion for our mission of feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, with the ability to effectively communicate this impact to donors.
• Faith & Values: An understanding of Catholic teaching and a comfort discussing it with donors as an invitation to partner in our mission of mercy.
• Technical Skills: Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel. Familiarity with Little Green Light or another CRM (such as Salesforce or Raiser's Edge) is a plus.

What We Offer
• Competitive Compensation: A full-time salary with a comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance.
• Time Off: Paid time off, family leave, and holidays, including observance of key liturgical dates.
• Mission-Driven Culture: A collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your contributions are valued and your ideas can flourish.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development and growth to sharpen your fundraising and leadership skills.
• Meaningful Impact: The chance to make a tangible, life-changing impact on the community by ensuring the sustainability of our Food Pantry and Donation Center.

To Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter to rmurphy@houseofmercyva.org. In your letter, please share how your experience makes you the right fit for this role and how you would help House of Mercy grow our mission through strategic donor cultivation and successful financial solicitation.

About the Employer

House of Mercy is a Catholic 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to create environments where God's mercy flourishes by meeting basic needs and supporting personal and spiritual growth. Through our Food Pantry, Thrift Store, and Donation Center, we offer free food and clothing with no restrictions on geography or background - always with a focus on preserving dignity and serving the whole person.