Strategic Donor Relations & Stewardship Lead

Arts Services Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Arts Services Inc. in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Manager of Donor Relations & Stewardship to lead the museum's donor engagement, stewardship, recognition, and membership experience.

This strategic role builds a comprehensive donor relations program, strengthens retention, and fosters long-term philanthropic relationships. The position oversees recognition programs, impact reporting, and donor communications, guiding committees and cultivating a modest donor pool with an annual revenue goal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of professional fundraising experience, or eight years of comparable fundraising experience.
• Experience soliciting, securing, and stewarding corporate gifts and sponsorships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills for presentations to individuals and groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship strategy to support retention, engagement, and growth.
• Oversee donor recognition programs, impact reporting, and communications across donor constituencies.
• Provide strategic oversight of membership engagement and collaborate with events staff for donor and volunteer committees.
• Cultivate and maintain a pool of 30–50 donors and create stewardship plans for leadership donors and prospects.
• Manage stewardship budgets and serve as a partner to Advancement leadership on donor experience initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Listening skills

Presentation skills

Donor relations

Time management

Organization

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Fundraising experience (4+ years)

Tools

Blackbaud donor software

Job description

Arts Services Inc. in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Manager of Donor Relations & Stewardship to lead the museum's donor engagement, stewardship, recognition, and membership experience.

This strategic role builds a comprehensive donor relations program, strengthens retention, and fosters long-term philanthropic relationships. The position oversees recognition programs, impact reporting, and donor communications, guiding committees and cultivating a modest donor pool with an annual revenue goal.