Donor Engagement Manager

Summary of Purpose:

Responsible for strengthening relationships with current donors and managing the Kentucky Humane Society’s (KHS’s) giving society and planned giving programs to advance revenue goals while focusing on donor retention, meaningful engagement, gift renewal, and increased philanthropic support through personalized communications and thoughtful recognition. In collaboration with Outreach Department colleagues, the Donor Engagement Manager will develop and implement a coordinated stewardship program that demonstrates the impact of donors’ gifts and deepens their connection to the organization.

Duties (Essential Functions ):

- Giving Society Management & Stewardship

- Manage day-to-day operations of KHS’s new giving society, including membership tracking, welcome communications, renewals, recognition and engagement.

- Maintain membership criteria, giving levels, recognition guidelines and benefits.

- Develop personalized outreach to welcome new donors and members, celebrate continued participation and encourage renewals.

- Monitor giving to identify prospective members, opportunities to increase giving and potential Lifelong Friends (planned giving) supporters.

- Conduct assigned weekly donor thank-you calls and face-to-face cultivation, stewardship and solicitation meetings.

- Organize and host events for giving society members and Lifelong Friends.

- Identify opportunities for increased annual gifts, multiyear commitments, recurring gifts and other support aligned with donor interests.

- Develop and execute year-long Lifelong Friends outreach to generate interest, deepen relationships and secure commitments.

- Cultivate, steward and recognize Lifelong Friends through personalized communications, one-on-one interactions and meaningful engagement aligned with their philanthropic goals.

- Coordinate with Development Team colleagues on referrals and donor relationship management.

- Maintain accurate donor records, including interactions, interests, recognition preferences, membership status and next steps.

- Track memberships, renewals, upgrades and lapses; use donor data and member feedback to prioritize outreach and strengthen stewardship.

- Follow organizational policies on donor privacy, gift acceptance and ethical fundraising.

- Communicate with the Development Director regarding unusual activities, significant problems or concerns.

- Campaign & Annual Giving Management.

- Lead or support annual fund campaigns, direct mail and digital/email fundraising initiatives, working in close partnership with PR-Marketing Team on execution.

- Track and analyze campaign performance metrics to refine future strategies.

- Outreach Department Support

- Support KHS signature events as needed.

- Serve as a spokesperson for the Kentucky Humane Society in media appearances as needed.

- Represent the Kentucky Humane Society at community events, networking opportunities and other public forums.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Requirements:

- 3+ years of fundraising or communications experience preferred.

- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

- Advanced computer knowledge, including MS Word and Excel, with ability to learn new software.

- Ability to represent the Kentucky Humane Society in a professional manner in accordance with the American Professional Fundraising Code of Ethics.

- Support the usage of approved AI tools when they can improve efficiency and reduce time spent on routine or administrative tasks while meeting quality, accuracy, confidentiality and professional standards.

- Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

- Self-directed with the ability to work independently/meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with little direct supervision.

- Ability to envision long-range goals and apply them to daily operations.

- Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people of all backgrounds and personalities.

- Humane attitude towards animals.

- Accept, support, and represent KHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.

- Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record and be willing to drive KHS vehicles.

- Background Check required.

Education:

- High school degree or equivalent required.

- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited university preferred .

Physical, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Demands/ Working Environment

- Individual will extended have periods of sitting, communicating, and listening.

- Intermittently bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing regularly while performing job functions.

- Intermittently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to and exceeding 50 lbs.

- Working in an indoor desk environment includes interacting with animals in a sheltering setting (indoor/outdoor) in varying weather conditions .

- Local travel in Louisville area to meet with donors and support events.

- Potential for exposure to allergens (including but not limited to pet dander, dust, peanut butter), and zoonotic diseases (diseases transferred from animals to humans).

- Exposure to chemicals.

- Exposure to loud noise.

- Exposure to emotional circumstances.

- Fast-paced environment.