Donor Relations Manager

Socket.dev; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision & Life

401(K) Matching

Transit Pass

PTO & Holidays

Paid Holidays

Job summary

KidsQuest Children's Museum is seeking a proactive Donor Relations Manager to strengthen donor relationships through stewardship, research, and engagement. The role collaborates with the Director of Development, CEO, and Museum teams to grow philanthropic support and advance the next chapter of KidsQuest.

The position focuses on managing donor data in CRM, preparing briefing materials, and supporting capital campaigns and major gifts as needed. Hybrid work with 38 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or related field.
• Ability to adapt communication to diverse audiences including donors, corporate reps, funders, officials, teens, children and parents.
• Strong prospect research and donor cultivation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor database systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee donor stewardship and relationship management across a defined portfolio.
• Develop and manage donor communication matrix and calendar; ensure timely acknowledgments.
• Support prospect research, briefing materials, and donor profiles for leadership and events.
• Maintain accurate donor records and assist with CRM implementation and data integrity.
• Plan and support fundraising events; coordinate donor follow-up and post-event stewardship.
• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, Education, and Visitor Services to advance fundraising initiatives.

Skills

Donor relations

CRM proficiency

Communication

Organization & project mgmt

Travel willingness

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft 365

Job description

Description

At KidsQuest, we believe meaningful relationships are built through curiosity, connection, and a lot of play. We're looking for a proactive, people-centered Donor Relations Manager who loves building relationships, uncovering opportunities, and helping supporters see the impact of their generosity.

As a key member of the Development team, you'll help create exceptional donor experiences through stewardship, prospect research, donor engagement, fundraising events, and data management. You'll work closely with the Director of Development, our CEO, and colleagues across the Museum to strengthen donor relationships, grow philanthropic support, and help us build excitement for KidsQuest’s next chapter.

The Donor Relations Manager is critical in fostering a culture of gratitude and philanthropy, ensuring donors feel connected to the children, families, and communities they help inspire through the power of play. We value curiosity, collaboration, and learning. Join us as we experiment, reflect, and grow together.

Job status:Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $37.50-$40.50 per hour

Position Reports To:Director of Development & Marketing

Work Week: 38hrs per week, Monday-Friday, Hybrid – 1 to 2 days in office

Some weekends, evenings, special events, and additional in-office days are required throughout the year.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

DONOR STEWARDSHIP & RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Map the full scope of KidsQuest supporter relationships, manage donor data in the CRM, and take ownership of donor stewardship activities.
• Execute and create structure around donor stewardship activities, including timely acknowledgment and recognition of gifts.
• Develop and own donor communication matrix and calendar.
• Maintain meaningful relationships with donors, prospects, sponsors, and community supporters.
• Monitor donor engagement and giving trends to identify cultivation and stewardship opportunities.
• Contribute to strategic planning for Development, defining distinct donor audiences (members, individuals, etc) and pipelines for each
• Support the Director of Development & Marketing and CEO in donor management activities.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects as assigned.

PROSPECT RESEARCH & FUNDRAISING SUPPORT

• Conduct donor and prospect research to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospective supporters.
• Prepare donor profiles, briefing materials, and research reports for leadership and fundraising activities.
• Conduct pre- and post-event donor research to support cultivation efforts, brief leadership and team as needed.
• Support the Director of Development & Marketing and CEO with capital campaign activities as needed.
• Assist in developing strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades.

CRM & DONOR DATA MANAGEMENT

• Maintain accurate donor records, gift information, pledges, and constituent data within the donor database.
• Support implementation and rollout of new donor CRM systems and processes.
• Create and maintain donor management tools and systems, including communication plans, tracking tools, and stewardship workflows.
• Coordinate regular donor strategy and data review meetings with key internal stakeholders.
• Capture and record all donor relationship updates from leadership. Ensure donor records remain accurate, current, and actionable.
• Generate reports and donor lists to support fundraising and stewardship efforts.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

• Manage donor and guest registration for fundraising events (BizQuest, Imagination Celebration, etc)
• Support donor-facing event logistics and guest experiences.
• Attend occasional evening and weekend fundraising events, donor functions, and community activities.
• Partner with Marketing on event invitation strategies and attendee outreach.
• Partner with Marketing to develop print and digital collateral for donor related campaigns and communication.
• Assist with donor follow-up activities and stewardship after events.
• Provide additional event support as directed.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Educate museum staff to further understanding of philanthropic work and donor-facing awareness.
• Partner with Finance on gift processing, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Work with Marketing, Education, Visitor Services, and other departments to support fundraising initiatives and donor engagement opportunities.
• Support Board and volunteer fundraising activities as assigned.
• Participate in Development team meetings, planning efforts, and support grant writing and management as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• 4+ years of experience in non-profit fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit development, customer relationship management, or a related field
• Ability to adapt communication to diverse audiences and stakeholders including, but not limited to, donors, corporate representatives, funder, public officials, teens, children and parents
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse perspectives and communities.
• Strong prospect research and donor cultivation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor database systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and relationship-building abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications or similar.
• Ability to travel locally to donor meetings, community events, museum functions, and other events as needed.

PREFERRED

• Experience working in a nonprofit, museum, education, or family-focused organization.
• Experience leading CRM implementation
• Experience supporting major gifts, annual giving, or capital campaigns.
• Familiarity with donor management platforms such as Humanitru.

To serve the best interest of museum patrons, for this role, KQCM will:

• Conduct a criminal background check on all prospective employees.
• Require proof of immunizations (TdaP, MMR, and Varicella) within thirty days of employment

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.KidsQuest Children's Museum will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future and will not transfer sponsorship for employment visa status for this role.

Why Work for KidsQuest

• Be part of a mission driven organization that creates learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world.
• Join a collaborative, creative, and inclusive workplace that values curiosity, respect, and continuous growth.

Benefits Highlight

• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Offered
• Starting at 13 days of Paid Time Off and 8 days of Wellness
• Paid Holidays, including 2 floating Holidays
• 401(K) Matching Savings Plan
• Transit Pass

Equal Opportunity Commitment

KidsQuest Children's Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We acknowledge that many of us live and work on the land of the Coast Salish people and honor their ongoing stewardship.