Donor Relations

Job Summary:

The Donor Relations position supports the mission of Martha's Village & Kitchen by cultivating and strengthening relationships with donors through personalized engagement, effective communication, and strategic stewardship. This role is responsible for the coordination of donor communications, recognition programs, and fundraising campaigns, while also supporting major gift initiatives and corporate sponsorship efforts. The Donor Relations team member plays a vital part in ensuring that donors feel appreciated, informed, and connected to the impact of their contributions.

Essential Functions:

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

· Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing donors, serving as a key point of contact to ensure prompt and thoughtful responses to inquiries and concerns.

· Execute a structured stewardship plan that includes thank-you communications, personalized updates, impact reporting, and donor recognition.

· Identify and implement strategies to upgrade donor-giving levels and encourage continued support.

· Coordinate follow-up for lapsed donors and maintain a consistent donor retention strategy.

· Assist in the cultivation of new gifts, renewal of annual support, and solicitation of corporate participation.

Events & Recognition

· Organize and manage donor recognition events, VIP receptions, and private tours.

· Manage all post-event donor communication including thank-you messages and follow-up reporting.

· Collaborate with the development team on annual campaigns, fundraising events, and major gift strategies.

Appeals & Campaign Management

· Develop and execute multi-channel fundraising appeals, including monthly giving campaigns, peer-to-peer outreach, and initiatives such as "Adopt a Room."

· Manage the organization's planned giving site and associated donor communications.

Communications & Content Development

· Create compelling donor-focused communications including newsletters, success stories, email updates, and campaign materials.

· Work closely with the Campaigns & Communication Officer to maintain consistent messaging aligned with MVK's brand and values.

Database & Reporting

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the integrated donor database (e.g., Bloomerang).

· Track all donor communication, interactions, and giving trends for reporting and strategic outreach.

· Collaborate with the finance, program, and leadership teams to gather data needed for donor engagement and proposal development.

Qualifications

· Associate degree required, Bachelor's in a related field preferred.

· 2 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit communications, or a related field.

· Valid driver license.

· Familiarity with planned giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, or corporate sponsorships, preferred.

· Experience using donor database systems (such as Bloomerang or similar CRM platforms).

· Proven ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

· Understanding of nonprofit fundraising best practices and donor stewardship principles.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage donors and promote organizational values.

· Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

· Creative thinker with experience developing fundraising content and donor messaging.

· Self-motivated and collaborative team player with a strong sense of initiative.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with donor data systems and email marketing platforms preferred.

· Ability to travel locally for donor meetings, community events, and off-site engagements as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Indio, CA 92201 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Indio, CA 92201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person