Donor Relations Manager

The Donor Relations Manager is a key member of Washington Conservation Action’s development team. We are looking for a relationship builder who is excited to connect people with our mission and engage with the organization’s supporters. The Donor Relations Manager is an “out-the-door” fundraiser. Ideal candidates will enjoy connecting and interacting with donors who have an interest in protecting Washington’s environment and communities. This person will passionately represent Washington Conservation Action’s mission, programs, and message with donors, and will proactively network to activate support. The Donor Relations Manager will work closely with Washington Conservation Action’s development team to build a donor pipeline and deepen relationships with existing supporters. 

About Our Organization 

Washington Conservation Action is a statewide environmental advocacy organization that advances environmental policies and pushes for actions that equitably address climate pollution, restore Puget Sound, sustain our state’s forests, and protect our democracy. For Washington to remain a national leader on environmental issues, we need environmental champions in elected office and to hold our leaders accountable. To keep our environment protected, healthy, and vibrant, we are committed to supporting Native candidates, candidates of color, and environmental leaders seeking election. 

We champion policies that center the expertise and resilience of our overburdened communities for environmental progress and justice in the Pacific Northwest. Washington Conservation Action is a 501(c4) organization. Washington Conservation Action Education Fund is our 501(c3) partner organization. Together, we advance a shared a vision for thriving communities where people and nature grow strong together. 

Washington Conservation Action is committed to a diverse, socially just, and welcoming work environment. People of color, people with varying abilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are especially encouraged to apply. We continue to advance the application of a racial equity lens to our work and are led by a CEO who is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes Warm Springs, Oregon. 

Responsibilities 

The Donor Relations Manager connects Washington Conservation Action’s mission and policy advocacy with donors who have the capacity to make major gifts. The person in this role cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of both current and prospective donors. They work closely with policy staff and program leadership to creatively grow engagement and involvement with the organization among donors in their portfolio. The role upholds values based and equitable fundraising practices within the organization. 

Key responsibilities for the Donor Relations Manager include: 

• Manage and solicit a portfolio of donors and prospects giving $10,000+ annually.
• Build and strengthen the organization’s relationships with its supporters.
• Develop and implement an annual calendar for donor engagement and solicitation.
• Coordinate donor solicitation and stewardship meetings and calls with staff to support a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Identify prospects for increased giving and develop strategies for advancing donor relationships.
• Collaborate with development team colleagues to steward donors and ensure timely and accurate acknowledgement of contributions.
• Embrace a Values-Based Fundraising approach in communicating and building relationships with donors and supporters.
• Understand organizational needs and priorities and develop compelling narratives and stories that connect donor interests with aligned programmatic work.
• Participate on a racial equity team.

Required Skills 

• 1 – 3 years of experience working with individual donors or supporting a donor management program (could include volunteer experience or comparable experience in sales or client service).
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills across mediums and audiences.
• Understanding of data management practices and experience using a Constituent Relationship Management platform (Salesforce preferred).
• Strong writing skills and experience producing persuasive written content such as strategic communications plans, proposals, or other written materials.
• A commitment to an ongoing anti-racist learning journey, both personally and professionally.
• A strong desire to be a productive member of a team that is deeply engaged in the work of building power with Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously and meet deadlines while working across teams.
• Driven to improving systems and solving problems.
• Commitment to working collaboratively and track record working as part of a development team.
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate work experience.
• Experience using the Microsoft Office suite of tools.

Desired Skills 

• Experience organizing and supporting small donor events including briefings and house parties, and large donor events such as fundraising galas.
• Familiarity or experience with grant writing or donor proposal development.
• Customer service or relationship management experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with Community Centric Fundraising or Values-Based Fundraising.