Director of Donor Relations

Director of Donor Relations – Job Description

Position Title: Director of Donor Relations

Supervisor: Co-Directors (Phil Krause & Melody Marshall)

Classification: Full-time, 40 hours/week (with flexibility; see details below)

Travel Expectation: ~10 days/year + 1–2 staff retreats requiring overnight stays

Positions Under Direct Supervision: None initially; collaborates closely with Events & Hospitality Coordinator (EHC) and Donor Administrative Support

Family preservation through Biblical hospitality.

To empower the local church to be consistent care and community to the socially isolated family facing crisis.

The Director of Donor Relations leads the strategic development and execution of MVM’s fundraising efforts. This role exists to expand the financial capacity of the organization through relationship‑building, donor cultivation, creative fundraising strategies, and oversight of long‑term sustainability initiatives. The Director of Donor Relations works closely with the Events & Hospitality Coordinator and Co‑Directors to nurture donor relationships, guide organizational growth, and maintain momentum across all advancement efforts.

This position blends visionary leadership, relational development, and hands‑on fundraising execution. It is deeply collaborative—integrating with staff, donors, community partners (“Champions”), and training provided by Mission Increase.

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor development, or advancement leadership.
• Experience cultivating major donors and closing major gifts strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• High level of organizational skill and follow‑through.
• Ability to create and execute strategic fundraising plans.
• Comfort with public speaking, presentations, and donor meetings.
• Competency using donor databases (Keela experience preferred but not required).
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Active involvement in a local church and a relationship with Jesus Christ.
• In agreement with MVM’s statement of faith.

Visionary leadership, relational warmth, humility, teachability, strong written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, donor stewardship abilities, reliability, creativity, ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a passion for MVM’s mission.

• Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and implement short‑ and long‑term fundraising strategies to meet organizational financial goals.
• Work closely with the EHC and Co-Directors in planning and executing advancement priorities.
• Receive coaching and development through mentorship from
• Continually evaluate and refine advancement strategies to support long‑term sustainability.

• Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with key donors, stakeholders, Champions, and community partners.
• Deepen personal relationships with top donors and nurture new donor prospects.
• Work with the EHC and Co-Directors to understand MVM’s current donor base and history.
• Support the advancement lifecycle from first contact through stewardship.

• Lead direct, face‑to‑face major donor solicitations.
• Conduct virtual donor meetings when necessary.
• Identify, research, and strategize communication with major donor prospects.

• Support and complement all major fundraising events, which are led by the EHC.
• Provide vision, donor strategy, and relationship support to ensure event success.

• Seek new individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Research new funding streams and think creatively about partnerships, giving models, and donor engagement strategies.
• Identify appropriate grant opportunities and present to Co-Directors for decisions.

• Communicate Keela management expectations clearly with EHC and Donor admin support in order to ensure that tracking is not falling through the cracks.
• Manage admin to track donor cultivation steps, gift history, and communication cadence.
• Work with the EHC to manage donor…