Donor Relations Manager - Major Gifts

The Donor Relations Manager is a key member of the Development Team. The focus of this position is to serve a portfolio of major donors by initiating, building and maintaining a dynamic, reciprocal relationships with individuals, couples, families, organizations and businesses who partner financially with VMP. Responsible for securing funds for the program and services of Vine Maple Place by fulfilling the interests and passions of donors by providing them with giving opportunities, encouraging them to give and assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement.

Learn and utilize VMP’s relational approach to fundraising through team collaboration and ongoing training.

This is a key position to increase revenue and is essential in reaching our goal to end generational homelessness in South King County. Due to the homelessness crisis in King County, VMP is expanding to serve more families in need.

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward a caseload of 150-200 major donors through face to face, phone, email and mail communication.
• Create and manage individual revenue goals for each person on the caseload
• Develop a contact calendar that represents the Ask, Thank, Report for each donor on a monthly, quarterly and yearly schedule and that is driven by that donor’s passions and interest and communication preferences. Execute that plan and modify it as circumstances change.
• Learn about VMP programs and secure project information for creating offers, proposals and asks as well as for reporting to donors on how their giving made a difference.
• Create monthly reports on caseload progress and meet weekly with Development Director for accountability and to discuss strategy, major donor portfolio and donor engagement.
• Update the database with call notes and new information about donors.
• Make first-time donor thank you contacts, invite to Vision of Hope tour and qualify them for mid-level or major giving program.
• Identify and recruit potential VMP ambassadors to host Vision of Hope tours or the annual event fundraiser.
• Conduct oneself in a professional.

• Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and agree to the VMP Statement of Faith.
• Be passionate about helping families overcome the trauma of homelessness and have a solid understanding of VMP’s mission and strategic plan.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. A combination of education and 3 years of major gift experience may be substituted for a degree
• 3-5 years of fundraising/development or sales experience
• Passionate about fundraising and/or development as a means to accomplish the mission
• Embrace diversity and work effectively with a diverse team of professionals; sensitivity to the needs of clients, staff and volunteers from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate orally, and in writing, at an advanced level; exhibiting strong phone skills: warm tone, good speaking cadence, clear and articulate speech.
• Knowledge and experience with donor databases; proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet navigation.
• Able to work well with others in a collaborative and respectful manner, participating in a teamwork-driven environment and maintaining a professional demeanor and confidentiality.
• Strong ability to independently prioritize and organize workload and special projects to meet deadlines.