Title: Manager of Donor Engagement

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer

Service Center: Advancement

Organizational Context: The Advancement Team conducts a range of activities to advance the goals of Forefront in the areas of communications, marketing, fundraising, membership recruitment, retention and supports the communications and marketing needs of Forefront staff.

General Job Description: The Manager of Donor Engagement is responsible for growing and stewarding individual giving at the $1 to $9,999 level, with distinct responsibilities for cultivating, meeting, and engaging Leadership level donors ($1,000–$9,999) through personalized outreach, meetings, and relationship-building. The position also leads online/digital fundraising strategies and manages the monthly giving (“Sustainer”) program. The ideal candidate executes campaigns and activities that increase donor engagement and retention, delivering a vibrant donor experience through both digital and in-person contact.

Essential Job Duties

Develop, implement, and improve the annual individual giving plan, focused on online giving ($1 to $9,999).
Create, launch, and manage the monthly Sustainer program, including recruitment, retention, stewardship, and recognition activities.
Manage all aspects of digital fundraising campaigns, including list segmentation, journey mapping, A/B testing, and data analysis for ongoing improvement.
Identify, cultivate, and engage Leadership donors ($1,000–$9,999) through personal outreach, meetings (virtual or in-person), and stewardship.
Design and implement engagement and recognition strategies tailored specifically for Leadership donors, separately from online fundraising initiatives.
Maintain accurate records of donor relations, engagement, and stewardship activities in CRM (Salesforce).
Coordinate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure fundraising efforts are aligned with Forefront’s mission, communications, and marketing strategy.
Monitor and analyze giving trends and provide revenue projections for planning purposes.
Serve as ambassador at donor meetings, events, webinars, and community functions as assigned.
Support department-wide fundraising and stewardship events as needed.
Complete administrative and project duties as assigned. Position responsibilities may adjust as Forefront’s needs evolve.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of experience in individual giving, donor engagement, or nonprofit development, including demonstrated results cultivating and stewarding donors at the $1,000+ level.
Knowledge of digital marketing tactics such as email marketing, ad campaigns, social media fundraising, and analytics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting for fundraising appeals and ability to conduct one-on-one or small group donor meetings.
Experience with CRM/database management (Salesforce preferred), digital fundraising tools, analytics, and project management.
Relationship-building skills with individuals, couples, and donor advised funds.
High level of initiative, collaborative spirit, and commitment to fundraising transparency and donor equity.
Strong organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities, campaigns, and donor relationships simultaneously.
Comfort working virtually and/or in-person in a highly collaborative team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital meeting platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, etc).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing a monthly giving (Sustainer) program and/or digital fundraising for a nonprofit.
Direct experience cultivating and stewarding Leadership donors at the $1,000+ level.
Familiarity with donor advised funds and multi-channel giving campaigns.
Understanding of Illinois’ philanthropic landscape and donor communities.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000 per annum, based on experience. We offer comprehensive benefits, in a casual and friendly work environment.

Authorization

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Resident with Authorization to Work

EOE M/F/V/D