Director of Donor Relations

Child Bridge; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Bridge, Inc. is seeking a Director of Donor Relations to strengthen ties with current donors and attract new ones, focusing on major gifts to advance the mission.

The role requires independent cultivation, confident soliciting of significant gifts, and growing philanthropic revenue across donor journeys. You will work with the development team to set annual goals within a multiyear plan, manage a donor portfolio for four- to six-figure gifts, and prepare proposals and support materials

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or related field; 7+ years comprehensive fundraising experience.
• Experience soliciting and closing four+ figure gifts.
• Proven success meeting and exceeding fundraising goals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a dependable vehicle.
• Travel regionally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective donors to grow philanthropic revenue.
• Develop and implement a multi‑year fundraising plan with the team.
• Manage donor portfolio capable of four- to six‑figure gifts and steward legacy gifts.
• Prepare donor proposals and solicitation letters and related materials.
• Maintain accurate donor records and plan regular outreach.
• Collaborate with the team and participate in team prayer and formation.

Skills

Goal‑oriented

Relationship management

Compelling communicator

Fundraising strategy

Planning and organization

Team collaboration

Listening and questioning

Donor stewardship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/communications

7+ years fundraising experience

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Video conferencing tools

Cloud-based apps

Job description

THE ROLE

The Director of Donor Relations is responsible for strengthening relationships with existingdonors, as well as identifying new donors to participate in the mission’s work. The primaryfocus of the role is for someone with demonstrated major gift fundraising experience whocan independently cultivate relationships, confidently solicit significant gifts, and help growphilanthropic revenue.

THE DAY TO DAY

Your essential duties and responsibilities:

• Deeply understand the Child Bridge Biblically-based mission and communicate itclearly to existing and prospective donors.


• Creatively work with the development team to reach new donors and set annualphilanthropic goals as part of a multiyear strategic plan.


• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Donors Relations, implement a robust, multifaceted,and forward-thinking fundraising plan for engaging with donors along theirrespective philanthropic journeys.


• Thoughtfully manage a portfolio of donors with the capacity to make four- to six-figuregifts, including how to best steward relationships with donors who have planned orlegacy gifts for Child Bridge.


• Strategically assess donor profiles to identify new or increased giving opportunities.


• Prepare donor proposals, solicitation letters, and other development materials neededto articulate Child Bridge’s values and needs to a broad audience.


• Stay up to date on best practices for fundraising and planned gifts.


• Maintain accurate donor records and independently plan regular outreach efforts.


• Timely provide and complete requests from internal stakeholders.


• Regularly participate in team prayer and spiritual formation classes.


• Inspire a working environment that passionately lives out the mission, vision, and valuesof Child Bridge.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Goal-oriented with high regard for accountability to the mission, impact outcomes, and performance measures.


• Compelling communicator, both verbal and written, that can present a case for support and make substantial gift asks.


• Expert in relationship management, able to build and cultivate long-term relationships.


• Proficiency with fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, and phone/email engagements.


• An understanding of the science of philanthropic psychology and donor centricity.


• Strategic mindset that can construct and implement personalized donor asks.


• Sound perception in conversations, observation, judgment, and decision making. You know how to listen both to the said and unsaid, you know how to ask questions to gather more information, and you know how to take the next right step.


• Highly efficient in time and project management. You are self-disciplined and forward-thinking, providing deliverables in a quality and timely manner.


• Warm and relational verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. You can connect with a variety of people in a range of settings (small gatherings, large groups, individual meetings, etc.).


• Ability to maintain confidentiality under a wide range of circumstances.


• Active learner willing to collaborate with others and learn new ideas. We are always learning, and you enjoy growing in knowledge and skill along the journey.


• Proficient in Microsoft office suite. We use it all: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint.


• Capable of working with a variety of technology including CRMs, video conferencing, cloud-based applications, etc. Our team is spread across the state, so we are always online.

Your education, certification, experience and/or other requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or related field, and a minimum of 7 years of comprehensive fundraising experience, preferably working with individual and/or legacy donors. Equivalent education and experience will be considered.


• Prior experience in soliciting and closing four+ figure gifts.


• Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding fundraising goals.


• Must have a valid driver’s license, active and up to date liability coverage, and a dependable vehicle.

Physical Demands

• 1/3 of the time be able to: climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; lift up to 50 pounds; push or pull up to 25 pounds.


• 3/4 of the time be able to: stand; sit; walk; use close vision (20 inches or less) for computer work; reach with hands and arms.


• 3/4 of the time be able to: consistently use hands; talk and hear.

Work Environment

• The normal work environment is an office environment with meetings offsite in conference areas, coffee shops, and/or other public spaces. Other working environments may include parks, event centers, other family-oriented meeting spaces, and family homes. Due to the nature of these spaces, weather and temperature may vary. Churches are a regular environment space for recruiting and coaching efforts.


• Noise level in the work environment is moderate.


• The work schedule varies based on the needs of the organization and will have weekend and evening work.


• Regular travel within region of responsibility.


• Travel to other regional office sites, team gathering locations, and event sites on an as needed basis.