Donor Engagement Manager

South Plains Food Bank, Inc.; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

South Plains Food Bank is seeking a Donor Engagement Manager to strengthen donor relationships, grow annual giving, and increase philanthropy. You will oversee mid-level donor portfolios, steward recognition, and develop pathways from volunteers to long‑term donors.

The role emphasizes donor communication, cultivation, and fundraising strategy. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you will be a key Development team member and act as the CDO’s delegate when needed, driving campaigns and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years in fundraising or nonprofit management.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and annual giving programs.
• Experience with donor databases and fundraising software.
• Strong knowledge of donor stewardship and retention.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to build relationships with donors and volunteers.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze fundraising data and advise strategies.
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to feeding people and addressing hunger.

Responsibilities

• Grow and manage the organization's annual giving program.
• Develop donor stewardship, recognition, and retention strategies.
• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and solicit through outreach.
• Collaborate with the CDO on major gifts and planned giving.
• Lead recurring giving and monthly donor programs.
• Plan and evaluate direct mail, Giving Day, and campaigns.
• Partner with volunteers to move them into the donor pipeline.
• Set measurable goals for donor retention and campaign performance.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Communication

Relationship building

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Fundraising software

Job description

Job Summary

The Donor Engagement Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that strengthen donor relationships, increase donor retention, and grow annual philanthropic support for the organization. This position manages a portfolio of mid-level donors, oversees stewardship and acknowledgement processes, leads annual giving initiatives, and develops pathways to convert volunteers and community supporters into long‑term donors.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Donor Engagement Manager serves as a key member of the Development team and acts as the designated delegate for the CDO when needed. This role requires a relationship-focused professional who excels at donor communication, cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising strategy.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage and grow the organization’s individual annual giving program, including donor acquisition, retention, upgrading, and analysis of giving trends.
• Develop and execute comprehensive donor stewardship, recognition, acknowledgement, and retention strategies that strengthen donor loyalty and lifetime value.
• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects through personalized outreach, cultivation, meetings, events, and written communications.
• Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement, increase giving, and collaborate with the CDO on major gift and planned giving prospects.
• Lead and expand the recurring giving program, including strategies to recruit, retain, upgrade, recognize, and steward monthly donors.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate direct amil, Giving Day, and special fundraising campaigns, including donor outreach, peer-to-peer engagement, stewardship, and performance reporting.
• Assist in the development and future growth of planned giving efforts, including legacy donor education, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Partner with volunteer services to identify highly engaged volunteers, create mission-centered cultivation opportunities, and move volunteers into the donor pipeline.
• Establish and monitor measurable goals for donor retention, campaign performance, volunteer conversion, and donor engagement outcomes.
• Serve as a strategic partner and delegate to the Chief Development Officer, supporting development planning, donor strategy, departmental initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, public relations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3—5 years’ experience in fundraising, donor relations, development or nonprofit management.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and annual giving programs strongly preferred.
• Experience with donor database management and fundraising software.
• Strong understanding of donor stewardship, cultivation, and retention best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze fundraising data and develop strategic recommendations.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission of feeding people, strengthening communities, and addressing hunger.

Physical Demands

• Most functions are performed while seating at a desk or standing up
• Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Schedule

• Monday—Thursday 8:00—5:30 and Friday 8-12
• Weekends and evenings when necessary.

DISCLAIMER

South Plains Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment “at will” organization. This job description does not imply or constitute an offer of employment.