Director, Donor Engagement

Merraine Group, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization seeks a Director of Donor Engagement to develop and implement innovative donor strategies. This role involves significant community engagement, personal portfolio management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to foster donor relationships and enhance stewardship efforts. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fundraising and a commitment to cultivating a culture of generosity.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive health and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Opportunities for ongoing professional growth

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of experience in fundraising or donor engagement.
• Proven success in managing donor relations.
• Excellent communication skills to inspire generosity.

Responsibilities

• Lead donor engagement strategies across acquisition and retention.
• Create personalized donor journeys to boost participation.
• Develop and manage stewardship plans for various donor segments.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Merraine Group, Inc.. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$90,000.00/yr - $110,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Merraine Group, Inc.

Executive Recruiter at Merraine Group, Inc. [e-mail] 845-290-1900

This role presents an exciting opportunity for a strategic and relationship-driven professional to shape the donor experience from first gift to long-term commitment. As Director of Donor Engagement, you will lead innovative, multi-channel strategies that deepen connections, enhance stewardship, and drive philanthropic support. With a focus on segmentation, storytelling, and community impact, you’ll help build a culture of generosity that advances meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Giving

• Lead a comprehensive donor engagement strategy spanning acquisition, solicitation, and retention.
• Develop data-driven segmentation and personalized donor journeys that boost participation, average gift size, and donor retention.
• Design multi-channel direct marketing campaigns in collaboration with communications and community giving teams.
• Track performance using clear KPIs across acquisition, conversion, and upgrade pipelines.
• Cultivate and steward a personal portfolio of donors and prospects.

Donor Stewardship & Retention

• Create and implement lifecycle communications that reinforce donor impact and inspire ongoing support.
• Develop stewardship plans tailored to various donor segments, including recurring, mid-level, major, and legacy contributors.
• Produce impact reports, donor spotlights, and recognition campaigns that reflect organizational values and mission.
• Design donor appreciation experiences and events that foster stronger emotional and mission-driven connections.
• Supervise and mentor a team focused on community giving and stewardship.
• Build strong internal relationships to promote a donor-centric culture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including operations, finance, and database management, to ensure data integrity and acknowledgment accuracy.
• Partner with volunteer leadership and fundraising committees to meet acquisition and stewardship goals.

Data & Performance Management

• Leverage donor insights and analytics to guide engagement strategies.
• Establish and evaluate campaign metrics to improve outcomes and inform future initiatives.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate donor records in the CRM system with attention to confidentiality and data security.

Qualifications & Experience

• 6–8+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or stewardship roles.
• Proven success in developing and managing annual giving campaigns, donor relations, and direct marketing.
• Prior team management and leadership development experience.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and data analysis tools; Microsoft Office Suite familiarity required.
• Experience working with volunteer committees or member organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal life, values, and practices is advantageous.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and execution skills.
• Excellent communicator with an ability to craft compelling narratives and inspire generosity.
• Collaborative leader who fosters teamwork and cross-functional alignment.
• Analytical mindset with comfort using data to inform decisions.
• Demonstrated commitment to donor-centered service and continuous improvement.
• Hybrid work model with flexible scheduling.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Relocation and commuter assistance available for eligible candidates.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional growth and access to national networks for nonprofit professionals.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management, Strategy/Planning, and Business Development

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations, Religious Institutions, and Individual and Family Services

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