Donor Relations Specialist

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for providing Development team support by implementing exceptional stewardship strategies, conducting prospect research on current and potential key stakeholders, assisting with appeals and campaigns, collaborating on the planning and implementation of Pinky Swear events, supporting grant requests and reports, providing administrative support for the Board of Directors, and leading third-party community fundraising events and activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Donor Relations (80%)

• Interact with and involve the Pinky Swear Foundation community at every level.
• Provide stewardship for all new or unassigned donors and collaborate with Development team on potential next steps for relationship cultivation.
• Create and implement strategies to retain and acquire Pinky Partners (monthly donors).
• Provide Development team with prospect research on key current and prospective donors and partners.
• Provide communication and administrative support for mid-level donor ($1,000-$2,499) program.
• Oversee gift acknowledgement, tax receipts, and stewardship in partnership with Operations team to include reviewing and updating gift acknowledgement letters, letters of intent, pledge forms, and annual giving summaries.
• Ensure accuracy and send weekly tribute and gift acknowledgement letters.
• Manage mailing processes, including preparing mail for send out as well as picking up, opening, and distributing mail. Mail stewardship/cultivation packets regularly.
• Support entry points for potential donors interested in Pinky Swear Foundation volunteer activities like pantry donations, donor calls, and letters of encouragement in collaboration with Programs team. Provide training and on-site support for volunteers as needed.
• Collaborate with external community fundraisers to bolster their endeavors, offering on-site assistance during peer fundraising events.
• Collaborate on preparing donor offers, impact reports, and personalized stewardship communications with Development and Marketing teams.
• Assist committees and groups involved in Development activities.
• Support corporate sponsors and partners, including strategies that help foster and grow relationships.
• Support or lead office tours as needed. 

Events (20%)

• Coordinate the planning and execution of Pinky Swear revenue generating events and other special initiatives including, but not limited to, the Des Moines Radiothon and other donor cultivation and appreciation events.
• Provide excellent donor engagement and timely correspondence to event sponsors and guests; assist with management of guest lists.
• Prepare event materials including invitations, sponsorship letters, signage, name tags, and other materials.
• Manage event logistics and post-event communications.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization.

Required Education and Experience:

• 2+ years’ experience with donor relations, project management, and/or fundraising, or equivalent lived experience, preferred.
• Highly collaborative, creative, curious, energetic, and self-directed with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to confidently speak in front of current and prospective donors with an emphasis on storytelling.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to prioritize.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to support in-office activities and on-site events as needed, including the possibility of working an occasional evening or weekend.
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle; position requires local travel and evening and weekend meetings and events.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required and proficiency with nonprofit CRM (preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT) preferred.
• Commitment to Pinky Swear Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position includes a hybrid schedule of remote and in office work at our office in Edina, MN. This position works primarily during regular business hours with a few evening or weekend events expected annually.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee including:
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
  • The ability to lift small packages and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Benefits:

• Health insurance coverage includes: medical, dental, and a flexible spending account.
• Other paid benefits include: parental leave, basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, and a cell phone stipend.
• Simple IRA with up to 3% match for part-time and full-time staff.
• 13 paid holidays and a generous PTO policy, reinforcing our culture of trust + flexibility.

Pay Range:

$50,000-$60,000

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to HR@pinkyswear.org. All applicants will be sent a short but required questionnaire to complete after emailing their documents to our HR inbox. Applications received by 05/30/2025 will receive priority.