Donor Development Manager

Indiana Legal Services, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana Legal Services, Inc. seeks a Donor Development Manager to grow and manage individual and corporate donor programs. This role focuses on executing donor strategies and enhancing engagement.

The ideal candidate will work closely with the Chief Development Officer, develop comprehensive strategies, and implement stewardship initiatives. This full-time position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana with opportunities for hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute strategies for annual, mid-level, and major donor pipelines.
• Lead donor retention and upgrade efforts.
• Identify and research new individual prospects.
• Support the Chief Development Officer in major donor cultivation.
• Track and report on donor engagement and satisfaction.
• Build and implement a comprehensive stewardship calendar.
• Collaborate with the Donor Communications Manager on strategies.
• Personalize stewardship touchpoints.
• Monitor donor feedback and giving patterns.
• Support the CDCO in engaging the board in fundraising efforts.

Job description

Job Announcement

Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

Agency Description

Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a statewide, not‑for‑profit organization that provides free legal services to eligible clients in civil cases through eight branch offices. ILS is funded by the Legal Services Corporation, Indiana Civil Legal Aid Fund, United Ways, Area Agencies on Aging, and approximately 60 other funding sources.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

ILS is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any category protected by law.

Location

This position is located in the Indianapolis, Indiana Legal Services office with opportunities for a hybrid work schedule.

Position

Full‑Time Donor Development Manager

Start Date

As soon as reasonably possible.

Job Summary

Indiana Legal Services (ILS) seeks a strategic and collaborative Donor Development Manager to grow and manage the organization’s individual and corporate donor programs. This position has primary responsibility for managing the day‑to‑day execution of donor strategies, including campaigns, stewardship, and prospect identification and cultivation, and plays a central role in coordinating and implementing development operations. The Donor Development Manager reports to the Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO) and works in close partnership with development, program, and the senior leadership team. This is a full‑time position (37.5 hours per week). This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Individual Donor Strategy and Stewardship: 30%

• Design and execute strategies for annual, mid‑level, and major donor pipelines, with clear segmentation and moves management plans.
• Lead donor retention and upgrade efforts, including LYBUNT analysis and targeted stewardship.
• Identify and research new individual prospects, build and maintain a robust pipeline, and prepare briefing materials for the CDCO and Executive Director (ED).
• Support the Chief Development Officer and ED in major donor cultivation and stewardship (i.e., manage “up” to ensure that the CDCO and ED are engaged at the strategic level of prospective cultivation, donor stewardship, and major gift solicitations).
• Track and report on donor engagement and satisfaction to inform retention and upgrade strategies.
• Build and implement a comprehensive stewardship calendar across donor levels and types.
• Collaborate with the Donor Communications Manager to inform donor communication strategies by providing insight on audience segmentation and messaging concepts to ensure alignment with engagement goals and fundraising priorities.
• Partner with communications and program staff to ensure storytelling and messaging reflect mission impact and donor interests.
• Personalize stewardship touchpoints and ensure timely thank‑yous and acknowledgments.
• Monitor donor feedback and giving patterns to continually refine stewardship and communication strategies.
• Support the CDCO in engaging the board in individual and corporate fundraising efforts by preparing donor lists, briefing materials, and follow‑up plans for board outreach to prospects and sponsors.