Donor Engagement Officer

San Diego Rescue Mission; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Rescue Mission in San Diego, CA seeks a Donor Relations Officer to advance major and planned gifts. You will manage a portfolio of donors, develop cultivation plans, and collaborate with the Development team to increase support.

The role travels to visit donors, prepares impact stories, and helps create proposals and events. Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred; 3-5 years nonprofit fundraising experience recommended.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in nonprofit fundraising/ development.
• Experience in donor cultivation and gift solicitation.
• Experience in community relations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages an assigned portfolio of major and planned giving donors and prospective donors.
• Develops and executes personalized donor cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Builds organizational relationships with donors to enhance engagement and secure major gifts.
• Travels as appropriate to visit with donors for cultivation and stewardship.
• Identifies and shares impact stories for use in donor communication.
• Host tours of Mission Academy and Lighthouse to donors or prospective donors.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Gift solicitation

Community relations

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field

Job description

Description

Donor Relations Officer
Organization: San Diego Rescue Mission
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Donor Relations
Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually
Mission Statement
To lovingly address the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness by sharing the Good News of Salvation and providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery.
Position Summary
The Donor Relations Officer (DRO) plays a key role in furthering the Mission’s commitment to excellence in service and Christlike compassion. This position supports program objectives, ensures operational integrity, and reflects our values in every interaction with clients, staff, and the public.
The (DRO) serves on the Development and Community Engagement Team within the Donor Relations department and is a key leader for increasing the Mission’s presence, impact and financial support in either North, South or East County. The DRO is also responsible for developing organizational relationships with donors and has a goal of enhancing donor engagement and securing major and planned gifts to support the vision and mission of the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM).

Donor Engagement

• Manages an assigned portfolio of major and planned giving donors and prospective donors.
• Develops and executes personalized individual donor cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Build organizational relationships with donors to enhance donor engagement and secure major and planned gifts to support fundraising goals.
• Travels as appropriate to visit with donors in support of cultivations and stewardship plans.
• Identifies, solicits and stewards members of the President’s Council (annual gifts of $10,000 or more).
• Identifies and shares impact stories for use in verbal or written communication with donors.
• Host tours of Mission Academy and Lighthouse to current or prospective donors.
• Engages in regular personalized communications with donors and prospective donors.
• Develops and demonstrates strong understanding of SDRM approach, programs and expansion plans to facilitate donor understanding of gift impact.
• May cultivate and solicit gifts for additional initiatives and events as assigned.

Operations

• Responsible for accurate and timely documentation of all information, strategies, communication, and interaction related to individual donors within CRM database for use in future cultivation activities.
• Works with Director of Donor Relations and Donor Services Manager to ensure accurate processing of donor gifts and pledges, including timely acknowledgement and recognition.
• Participates as needed and assigned in the development of resources, collateral materials, presentations and proposals in support of the major gifts, planned gifts, campaigns or other giving initiatives.

Event And Volunteer Engagement

• Assists the Director of Donor Relations and Director of Events and Donor Engagement in planning and executing personalized events and volunteer strategies to cultivate and steward donors.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers in planning and executing special events.
• Responsible for inviting donors and community members to attend monthly Huddles, twice a year Graduations and standing volunteering opportunities at Mission Academy and Lighthouse.
• Responsible for inviting and serving alongside donors at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Outreach Meals.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Responsible for achieving annual giving goals for assigned portfolio of donors.
• Performs with care any confidential activities required by the position.
• Ensures cost-effective management of SDRM assets and resources.
• Compiles with processes and procedures for accurate and timely invoice payment, expense reporting and reimbursement requests.

Organizational Culture And Leadership

• Manages timely and effective communication with supervisor regarding issues, concerns, and decisions that affect the organization.
• Promote continuous improvement through identification and implementation of best practices, acquired knowledge, and automation.
• Stays abreast of trends, innovations and developments in the nonprofit and fundraising industries, particularly as it relates to major and planned giving.
• Periodically reviews organizational strategies, plans and initiatives and provides reports and updates as needed for the tactics your work involves.
• Performs other special assignments and duties as assigned.

Other Related Duties

• Support and participate in ministry-wide activities and chapels as applicable.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to uphold trauma-informed practices and ensure client dignity.

Staff Expectations

As a representative of San Diego Rescue Mission, all employees are expected to:

• Adhere to the Statement of Faith, upholding biblical principles in all aspects of work and life.
• Be prepared to share the hope you have in Christ. As a representative of Christ, be ready to gently and respectfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ at all times.
• Live out the Mission, Vision, and Values of the SDRM by safeguarding the Mission, pursuing the Vision, and reflecting our core values—Faith, Compassion, Excellence, and Integrity—in both your personal and public life. Remain focused on serving, demonstrating a deep desire to see God transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
• Intentionally spend time in God’s Word, prayer, staying rooted in a biblical community (local church, ministry, small group) to deepen your relationship with Christ.
• Model servant leadership in all interactions, encourage and support SDRM staff in their walk with Christ, putting the needs of others before yourself.
• Foster a coachable, approachable, and humble spirit, remaining open to feedback, growth, and guidance.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Business or other related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience working in a nonprofit, ministry, or human services environment.
• Experience in non-profit fundraising/ development or a related field required.
• Experience in donor cultivation, gift solicitation, marketing, and community relations preferred.