Donor Engagement Specialist

Job Description

Position Title: Donor Engagement Specialist

Reports To: Director of Development

Location: On-site at the TMS Headquarters, Downtown Chicago
About Thomas More Society

At Thomas More Society (TMS), we are driven by a mission that restores respect in law for life, family, and freedom. As a national public interest law firm based in Chicago, we provide high quality, pro-bono legal services-from local courtrooms to the United States Supreme Court-defending the values that shape a just society. Our work transforms lives and communities, fueled by the generosity of donors who share our vision. Join us to make a lasting impact in a role where your passion for our mission can help renew our culture.

Position Overview

As the Donor Engagement Specialist, you will be the heartbeat of our mid-level donor program ($1,000-$4,999 gifts), deepening relationships with supporters who sustain our mission. You will
design thoughtful engagement strategies, connect donors to the impact of their giving, promote diverse ways to support TMS, and collaborate closely with our major gifts team to grow transformational support. This role is ideal for a creative, mission-driven communicator who thrives on building relationships, takes initiative, and is committed to continual professional growth.

Responsibilities:

Donor Engagement
o Design and execute innovative monthly strategies to retain and upgrade mid-level donors,
ensuring alignment with major gift initiatives and quarterly campaigns.
o Deliver timely, heartfelt thank-you calls and personalized notes to donors giving $1,000-$4,999, identifying those with potential to become major donors.
o Analyze monthly revenue trends for the mid-level portfolio, producing year-over-year
reports that guide strategic decision-making and maximize donor impact.

Major Gift Support
o Partner with Development Directors to qualify mid-level donors for major gift portfolios,
identifying high-potential supporters through research and stewardship.
o Track smaller gifts from donors with significant capacity and cultivate these relationships
with tailored engagement to inspire greater giving.

Grant Proposals
o Serve as the point person for grant requests from foundations aligned with TMS's mission.
o Research prospective foundations, track inquiry and submission deadlines, and submit
approximately 8-10 proposals annually, ranging from simple to more complex.

Promote Ways of Giving
o Develop and implement an annual communications plan to educate and inspire donors
about diverse giving options - including Donor Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and gifts of appreciated stock - to maximize support for TMS.
o Proactively research and recommend software solutions and tools that remove friction and
improve the donor experience for gifts of non-cash assets (stock, DAFs, IRAs).

Legacy Society Promotion & Stewardship
o Lead a strategic, multichannel initiative to grow the Thomas More Legacy Society, crafting compelling messaging and targeted outreach that inspires donors to leave a lasting legacy through planned gifts.
o Develop and maintain high-quality, in-house materials that provide timely, personalized responses to Legacy Society inquiries.
o Oversee all Legacy Society stewardship efforts, including annual benefits, recognition opportunities, and meaningful updates; oversee design of the Legacy Society recognition wall and continually enhance it to honor members' enduring commitment.

Development Support
o Provide additional support to the Development Team as assigned, contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven culture while maintaining primary focus on donor engagement and stewardship.

Qualifications & Skills
o Bachelor's degree preferred; relevant experience considered.
o 5 years or more experience in nonprofit development, sales, or marketing, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships and drive results.
o Exceptional writing and speaking skills, with a talent for crafting compelling, donorcentered messages.
o Empathetic, optimistic, and mission-driven, with a passion for connecting with donors to advance TMS's work.
o A self-starter with creativity, initiative, and strong follow-through.
o Strong database management skills, with experience in DonorPerfect (preferred) or similar platforms, and the ability to generate actionable reports independently.
o A desire to continually hone professional skills, seek out learning opportunities, and grow within the development field.
o Deep commitment to TMS's positions on life, family, and freedom, with an active faith life rooted in Christian teachings.

Thomas More Society provides a generous benefits package for its full-time employees:

Medical, Dental, Vision - TMS covers 90% of medical premiums
Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
Commuter benefits pre-tax (Transit and Parking)
Short-term / Long-term Disability
401(k) with TMS employer match
12 paid holidays in addition to employee PTO package
Annual retreat reimbursement
Fitness Club membership at our Chicago headquarters

*Please email your resume and cover letter to employment@thomasmoresociety.org to apply.

About the Employer

The Thomas More Society is a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and freedom. Based in Chicago, the Thomas More Society defends and fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way to the United States Supreme Court.