Senior Donor Relations Officer

Nashville Rescue Mission; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Nashville Rescue Mission is seeking a Senior Donor Relations Officer to lead major gift fundraising and donor stewardship as a key member of our Development team in Nashville. The role focuses on cultivating 150 major gift prospects, preparing proposals, managing donor relationships, and driving contributions that align with our mission and values.

Strong communication, presentation skills, and nonprofit fundraising experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent nonprofit experience.
• Minimum 5 years of fundraising/donor relations experience.
• Proven track record in cultivating and soliciting gifts.
• Working knowledge of fundraising best practices and CRM databases (Virtuous preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication and public presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage donor relationships to secure major gifts.
• Prepare proposals, presentations, and materials for solicitations.
• Lead the donor solicitation process including gift agreements and planned giving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Development team to align on major gift strategies and recognition programs.
• Represent Nashville Rescue Mission at events and in the community.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Relationship management

CRM proficiency

Proposals & presentations

Donor communication

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/related field

Tools

Virtuous CRM

Job description

Description

Hope Lives Here!

At Nashville Rescue Mission, you'll be empowered to influence and impact lives. Join our team today!

Nashville Rescue Mission is actively seeking a Senior Donor Relations Officer to join our Development team. The Officer leverages expertise as a collaborative member of the Development team, devising and implementing fundraising strategies in building relationships with assigned donors/prospects to secure major and planned gifts. Upholds the Mission Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct.

Essential Duties:

Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management

• Provides timely responses to donor inquiries and requests.
• Conducts database research to identify, qualify, and prioritize a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects from existing donors and external sources to sustain and upgrade individual giving levels of $5,000 and above.
• Develops and implements personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect to build and maintain strong relationships with donors through regular communication, events, and in-person meetings, both on- and off-site.
• Records donor interactions and moves management in the Development database (CRM system) to track and report progress on activities and stages in the donor cycle.

Solicitation and Gift Closure

• Prepares compelling proposals, presentations, and other materials to solicit major and deferred gifts, including grants and sponsorships from corporations and organizations.
• Leads the solicitation process, including making direct asks for financial contributions and pledges and negotiating gift agreements and planned giving opportunities.
• Successfully closes major gifts by demonstrating a clear understanding of donors’ capacities and interests and aligning them with organizational priorities.

Collaboration and Strategy

• Collaborates closely with Development team members to align on various departmental initiatives, including major gift strategies, to achieve overall fundraising goals.
• Offers input into donor recognition and stewardship programs to ensure high-level donor engagement and retention.
• Promotes and represents Nashville Rescue Mission in the community through public speaking engagements, at external events, and conducting facility tours as needed.

Other Duties:

• Other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in communications, marketing, public relations, or related discipline required or 8 years of equivalent experience with a nonprofit.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or non-profit development.
• Successful track record in cultivating and stewarding new and existing donors and soliciting gifts.
• A working knowledge of fundraising best practices and CRM databases (Virtuous preferred).
• Familiarity or background in charitable estate planning is preferred.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and public presentation skills.
• Possesses computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to qualify as a designated Mission vehicle driver under Nashville Rescue Mission policy:
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Have no more than two moving violations in a 3-year period or more than one accident in a 1-year period
  • Proof of insurance on personal vehicle (current)