Retention Manager

Harnham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Ownership of a newly created function

Career progression and development

Collaborative working environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Harnham is seeking a seasoned Donor Engagement Lead to build and own a strategy for donor retention from the ground up. You will shape supporter experiences and drive long-term donor value through data-led programmes, with autonomy to influence strategies and delivery across channels.

You will manage onboarding, stewardship, and re-engagement initiatives, analysing donor behaviour and campaign performance to identify growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within donor engagement, supporter retention, CRM marketing, lifecycle marketing or fundraising.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver retention strategies that improve engagement and donor value.
• Experience creating customer or supporter journeys across multiple channels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a donor retention strategy across key audience segments, including one-off donors, regular givers, major donors, and lapsed supporters.
• Design and optimise multi-channel donor journeys spanning email, SMS, web, social media, messaging platforms, and other engagement channels.
• Lead donor onboarding, stewardship, re-engagement, and feedback initiatives to improve retention and lifetime value.
• Analyse donor behaviour, campaign performance, and retention metrics to identify opportunities for growth.
• Manage retention budgets and ensure activity delivers measurable return on investment.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver seamless supporter experiences across all touchpoints.
• Produce reporting and insights for senior leadership, using data to inform strategic decisions.
• Champion a donor-first approach across communications, engagement activity, and service delivery.

Skills

Donor engagement

CRM marketing

Lifecycle marketing

Fundraising

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Tools

CRM systems

Donor databases

Campaign reporting

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a donor engagement and retention function from the ground up. Joining at an exciting stage of growth, you will have the autonomy to develop strategy, improve supporter experiences, and drive long-term donor value through data-led engagement programmes.

The Company

They are a purpose-driven organisation with an established supporter base and ambitious plans for future growth. With a strong focus on delivering meaningful impact, they are investing in their fundraising and engagement capabilities to create deeper, longer-lasting relationships with donors. This newly created role offers the chance to influence strategy and make a measurable contribution across the organisation.

The Role

You will:

• Develop and implement a donor retention strategy across key audience segments, including one-off donors, regular givers, major donors, and lapsed supporters.
• Design and optimise multi-channel donor journeys spanning email, SMS, web, social media, messaging platforms, and other engagement channels.
• Lead donor onboarding, stewardship, re-engagement, and feedback initiatives to improve retention and lifetime value.
• Analyse donor behaviour, campaign performance, and retention metrics to identify opportunities for growth.
• Manage retention budgets and ensure activity delivers measurable return on investment.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver seamless supporter experiences across all touchpoints.
• Produce reporting and insights for senior leadership, using data to inform strategic decisions.
• Champion a donor-first approach across communications, engagement activity, and service delivery.

Your Skills & Experience

• Strong experience within donor engagement, supporter retention, CRM marketing, lifecycle marketing, or fundraising.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver retention strategies that improve engagement and donor value.
• Experience creating customer or supporter journeys across multiple channels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
• Knowledge of CRM systems, donor databases, and campaign reporting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A strategic mindset combined with a hands‑on approach to delivery.
• Experience operating within a regulated fundraising or membership environment is advantageous.

What They Offer

• Salary of £50,000.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility around office attendance.
• Opportunity to build and shape a newly created function.
• High levels of ownership and strategic influence.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Clear opportunities for professional development and career progression.