Associate Director of Donor Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : 90,000

SUMMARY :

The Associate Director of Donor Relations plays a pivotal role in the financial sustenance of the organization by leading grant writing, prospect management, and donor stewardship. This position involves researching funding opportunities, managing a robust prospect pipeline, and writing high-quality donor communications, including grant proposals and reports.

The position coordinates with various departments to align organizational and program goals with funding opportunities and supports the Chief Development Officer in developing strategies that advance the organizations philanthropic portfolio.

The Associate Director of Donor Relations maintains a disciplined approach to prospect strategy and engagement. This is a senior-level position that necessitates strategic thinking, a sales-oriented mindset, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the organizations mission and objectives.

REPORTS TO : Chief Development Officer

SPECIFIC DUTIES :

Prospect Management & Research :

Develop and manage a comprehensive prospect management system, tracking all stages of the donor and grant lifecycle, from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.

Conduct research and analysis to identify new funding prospects (corporate, foundation, individual major donors, and government grants) aligned with organizational priorities.

Maintain detailed prospect profiles and support moves management planning in coordination with the Chief Development Officer and development team.

Own and manage the Go / No-Go process by assessing potential funding opportunities for strategic fit, capacity requirements, and long-term sustainability; make recommendations to leadership accordingly.

Partner with leadership to set strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation based on capacity, inclination, and alignment with mission priorities.

Development Writing & Editorial Services :

Consult and collaborate with subject matter experts across CIS to collect and synthesize information, conduct research, analyze, and interpret data.

Compose compelling proposals, mid-cycle and final grant reports, and other fundraising collateral.

Create compelling communication pieces including proposals, presentation decks, impact reports, and funder communications while working under pressure to meet demanding deadlines.

Serve as the central hub for fundraising communications to ensure coherence of messaging and standardization per style guides and branding.

Partner cross-departmentally to understand ongoing status of organizational priorities.

Maintain a repository of fundraising-related content.

Collaborate with Finance Team to develop grant-related budgets.

Donor Database Management :

Maintain consistent, accurate, and detailed records of grants, prospects, and donor interactions in the donor database (e.g., Salesforce).

Ensure data integrity to support accurate reporting, forecasting, and analysis of donor engagement trends.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship :

Cultivate and strengthen relationships with grant-making agencies and foundations, preparing high-quality grant reports and stewardship communications that highlight impact, outcomes, and return on investmentfostering long-term, trust-based partnerships with key stakeholders.

Relationship Building :

Represent the organization at networking events, conferences, and community gatherings to build relationships with potential donors, partners, and stakeholders.

Function as an ambassador for the organization, effectively communicating our mission, impact, and fundraising needs.

Budgeting : QUALIFICATIONS :

Experience developing and managing a Grants Calendar

Bachelors degree in Fundraising, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or other related field and 6+ years of experience in donor relations or fund-raising within a complex organization

• Strong communication skills including written, oral, and listening.
• Relevant experience with data management and experience with CRM such as Salesforce.
• Demonstrated experience with solicitation, stewardship, and recognition techniques, with clear understanding of how donor relations drives engagement, retention, and can increase donor giving over the lifetime of the donor.

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.

Ability to work well in a collaborative environment and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Familiarity with financial management and budgeting processes.

Knowledge of the funding landscape and experience in securing grants from various sources.

Valid Georgia drivers license, proof of vehicle liability insurance and able to pass a criminal background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Will require some light lifting.

Must be willing to travel, as job requires.