Donor Engagement Manager

Overview

Thrive and Change Lives

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County is dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice; helping people in need regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, or nationality. We believe that all people have infinite value and are worthy of our respect and compassion. Above all, we are committed to creating hope and transforming lives.

We believe that quality service begins with a passionate, motivated and hardworking workforce; a positive and caring work environment, and recognition for the challenging work our employees perform in service to others. For these reasons and many more Catholic Charities of Onondaga County is a great place to work!

Flexible Work Schedules

Remitted Tuition

Professional Development

Competitive Pay and Work Life Benefits

Professional Supervision and Coaching

Recognition and Appreciation Programs

Opportunities for Growth and Promotion

Responsibilities

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County is seeking a strategic, organized, and relationship-oriented Donor Engagement Manager to coordinate and advance the agency's fundraising and donor engagement initiatives. 

Reporting to the Director of Donor Engagement, this position is responsible for planning and executing the agency's major fundraising events, including its annual signature gala, as well as coordinating fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship activities, and other revenue-generating initiatives. Key responsibilities include event and campaign management, sponsorship development, donor relations, and  volunteer coordination. 

Working collaboratively with the Director of Donor Engagement, the Donor Engagement Team, and colleagues throughout the agency, the Donor Engagement Manager helps strengthen philanthropic relationships, increase fundraising results, and advance the agency's mission and long-term financial sustainability. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Fundraising Strategy and Campaign Management

• Support the Director of Donor Engagement with the planning and implementation of key aspects of the gift cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition of donors.  

• Coordinate the agency's appeals, including production, mailing schedules, vendor coordination, and post-campaign follow-up. 

• Collaborate with the Database Administrator to analyze donor giving trends, identify prospects, strengthen donor retention, and inform fundraising strategies. 

• Monitor fundraising campaign performance, evaluate results against established goals, and recommend opportunities to increase revenue and participation. 

Special Events and Community Engagement

• Under the direction of the Donor Engagement Director, lead the planning and execution of the agency's fundraising events.  

• Develop and implement event strategies to secure sponsorships, maximize participation, and achieve established fundraising goals. 

• Manage event budgets, timelines, vendors, and logistics to ensure successful and cost-effective events. 

• Establish and maintain relationships with event sponsors, donors, committee members and vendors. 

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Contribute to written and verbal solicitations for appeals/campaigns, securing event sponsorships, and other designated fundraising initiatives. 

• Ensure timely and appropriate donor acknowledgments and recognition in accordance with agency standards and fundraising best practices. 

Volunteer Coordination and Engagement

• Collaborate with agency programs to identify volunteer needs and coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and placement. 

• Partner with program staff to ensure volunteers receive appropriate orientation, understand their responsibilities, and are familiar with agency policies. 

• Maintain ongoing communication with volunteers and coordinate recognition and stewardship activities that encourage continued engagement. 

Department Operations and Agency Collaboration

• Maintain accurate records and reporting of fundraising activities and event performance, qualitatively & quantitatively 

• Coordinate with Finance, the Database Administrator, executive leadership, program leadership, vendors, and external partners to support effective Donor Engagement operations. 

• Participate in departmental and strategic planning and initiatives that advance organizational sustainability and philanthropic support. 

• Engage professionally with donors, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders

This position is full time at 35 hours a week. Pay for this position is $35.00 per hour.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field, with at least four years of progressively responsible experience in special event planning and management, preferably within a nonprofit organization; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Experience in fundraising event strategy and execution, including sponsorship development, budget management, committee and volunteer coordination, and donor engagement. 

• Additional experience in nonprofit fundraising campaigns, donor relations and stewardship, and donor database systems preferred. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple fundraising initiatives, achieve established goals, and meet competing deadlines. 

• Strong organizational, project management, and event planning skills, with exceptional attention to detail. 

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, colleagues, and community partners from diverse backgrounds. 

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret fundraising data and evaluate results. 

• Strong financial and budget management skills, including budget development, expenditure monitoring, and evaluation of fundraising costs. 

• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a proactive, flexible, and results-oriented approach. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Raiser’s Edge NXT. 

• Commitment to the mission, values, and service philosophy of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND CLEARANCES 

• Valid New York State driver's license. 
• Registered and Insured Vehicle

• Ability to obtain and maintain New York State Central Registry clearance. 

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building on our foundation of a diverse workforce; and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages the recruitment and engagement of a workforce that fully represents the community we serve. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race), color, creed, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, disability, religion, national origin, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, prior arrest/conviction record, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status of being transgender, ancestry, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by law.