Manager, Donor Engagement

Trust For the National Mall; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Trust for the National Mall in Washington, DC is seeking a Manager, Donor Engagement to lead major-donor strategy, fulfillment, and stewardship. You will mentor the Donor Engagement Assistant and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deepen donor relationships and maximize giving.

The role focuses on high‑touch engagement, annual reports, event planning, and developing policies that advance philanthropy and organizational impact for the National Mall’s 250th anniversary year.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in donor relations or related field.
• 1+ year of management experience.
• Experience in nonprofits, fundraising, events or campaigns preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive high‑touch donor engagement with MGOs and donors and manage events.
• Oversee planning and fulfillment of donor benefits for major gifts.
• Collaborate to develop annual donor cultivation plans and stewardship policies.
• Mentor the Donor Engagement Assistant and support stewardship interns.
• Monitor effectiveness and report on donor relations activities.

Skills

Major donor engagement

Event planning

Stakeholder management

Mentoring/people management

Storytelling & communications

Education

Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Organization Summary

As the nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) philanthropic partner of the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall is dedicated to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall. The Trust raises private funding, provides project expertise and in‑kind support to help elevate the National Mall and its historic purpose, which takes on new meaning during America's 250th anniversary year on America's Front Yard. The Trust leads capital restoration projects, mobilizes volunteer operations and provides innovative educational experiences to ensure the National Mall, with 36 million visits each year, endures and inspires now and for future generations.

We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous time off policies.

Brief Position Summary

The Manager, Donor Engagement plays a crucial role in supporting the Trust for the National Mall's philanthropic endeavors. Reporting to the Director, Philanthropic Operations, the Manager, Donor Engagement is responsible for developing and executing high‑impact strategies to engage, retain and steward major donors, ensuring long‑term relationships that support the Trust for the National Mall. By overseeing the comprehensive fulfillment of benefits, the Manager, Donor Engagement, ensures that major donors feel valued, appreciated, and connected to the organization’s mission. This role is also responsible for managing and mentoring the Donor Engagement Assistant.

Salary Range: $70,000 to $77,000

Responsibilities

High‑Touch Donor Engagement (35%)

• Drive high‑touch donor engagement efforts in collaboration with MGOs, external partners, and donors which may include signage, tours, Days of Service, press briefings/gift announcements.
• Collaborate with MGOs to develop and implement individualized donor engagement plans for major donors and prospects.
• Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of donor‑engagement events, as needed.
• Assist in the planning, management, and fulfillment of benefits for donors and sponsors for the annual signature fundraising event BALL for THE Mall.

Stewardship (20%)

• Collaborate with MGOs to determine high‑impact benefit offerings and review benefits offered in major agreements.
• Drive annual report development in collaboration with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues.
• Manage large‑scale internal stewardship initiatives and activations including Donor Appreciation Week.

Strategy, Reporting, and Data Management (15%)

• Create and manage an annual donor cultivation and stewardship plan and timeline.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of donor relations strategies, using data to inform and adjust tactics for improved donor satisfaction and increased donations.
• Support the development of standard cultivation and stewardship policies and procedures.

Administrative and Culture‑Add to the Trust Team (30%)

• Manage and mentor Donor Engagement Assistant and stewardship interns (as applicable).
• Research and apply best practices in donor recognition, including ethical guidelines and innovative recognition methods, to ensure the organization’s approaches remain effective.
• Participate in Trust‑wide team building and professional development as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Skills

• Proficient in managing donor databases (Salesforce is preferred).
• Event planning and coordination of small‑ to mid‑size events.
• External partner engagement experience.
• Supervisory experience and strong indirect management of stakeholders across teams.
• Willingness to take initiative and adapt with a 'can‑do' attitude in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exhibits high standards of accountability and par excellence customer service and stewardship.
• Participate in building a culture of philanthropy with the organization, Philanthropy Team, and external stakeholders.
• Passion for and commitment to the Trust's mission and values.

Key Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication and storytelling skills, both internally and externally.
• Project management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective people manager and developer.
• Proactive collaboration and ability to anticipate needs with a flexible mindset.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience.

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience.
  • With at least 2 years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, or a related field for a non‑profit organization.
• At least 1 year of management experience.
• Experience in nonprofits and nonprofit management, with a focus on fundraising, events, and campaigns, is preferred.

Applications for this position will close after four weeks or once 100 applications are received, whichever comes first.

We welcome you to inform us confidentiality if you require any special accommodations to be considered for employment at the Trust. Contact us at [e-mail] to notify us of any needs related to completing the job application.

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.