At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead donor engagement strategies and inspire philanthropic support for animal conservation.
- Company: Join IFAW, a global nonprofit dedicated to improving lives of animals and people since 1969.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity and collaboration in making a difference.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in nonprofit fundraising or related fields; strong communication and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 55000 £ per year.
This position can be fully remote in the US, hybrid in Yarmouth, MA, Washington, DC or London, England.
The Donor Engagement Manager is responsible for communicating IFAW’s vision, strategy, and impact to inspire significant philanthropic commitments for IFAW's work from high-net-worth individuals and family foundations. By spearheading best-in-class donor communications, engagement, and stewardship, this role serves an essential function: developing and building IFAW’s reputation to position IFAW as a top charity worthy of significant donations. The Donor Engagement Manager plays a key role in improving the HNW donor journey and achieving our fundraising goals for enhanced programmatic impact globally in conservation, rescue, and policy.
Role And Responsibilities
Create dynamic donor engagement plan
- Spearhead donor engagement plans, including cultivation, stewardship experiences, and recognition
- Drive a robust calendar of communications and activities to optimize donor engagement, mission impact, and a best-in class donor experience with IFAW
- Advise and support frontline fundraisers with strategy and content for donor communications and proposals; collaborate with gift officers on HNW individual donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, including development of custom proposals and cases for support
- Collaborate with communications and program teams to create compelling donor impact reports, donor newsletters, webinars, bespoke proposals, and other tools that drive and support effective engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major- and principal-level gifts as well as larger legacy commitments; maintain curated library of assets for gift officers to use or customize
- Gather and share impact stories, data, and testimonials to demonstrate the value of donor contributions
- Plan and oversee execution of exclusive engagement opportunities (in-person and virtual) for target audience, designed to highlight IFAW programmatic expertise and build stronger donor relationships
- Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for select principal and major donors, working closely with frontline fundraisers and relationship managers
- Ensure all donor touchpoints reflect the organization’s mission and values, and that donors feel valued and connected
Manage projects and personnel
- Lead, coach, and manage a team of freelancers responsible for communications, stewardship, and engagement activities; oversee contracts, monitor deliverables and expenditures
- Maintain strong relationships with program leaders across the global organization, keeping apprised of IFAW’s programmatic work to identify topics that will appeal to high-net-worth donors and prospects
- Analyze donor engagement metrics, track trends, and report on the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship strategies.
Collaboration and fundamentals
- Ensure routine fundraising communications and templates for major gifts are up-to-date, accurate, and on brand (e.g., fundraising appeals, donor education emails, gift acknowledgments, holiday cards, swag)
- Manage creation and updates of bespoke proposals so that they are timely and well-designed
- Improve integration of mail / email outreach
- Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to optimize use and creative repurposing of resources and collateral materials
- Enhance web presence (philanthropy pages) to incorporate donor testimonials and demonstrate impact of philanthropic support
- Update and improve naming opportunities for major and principal gifts, named and endowed funds, larger legacies and blended gifts from HNW individuals
Strategic guidance and innovation
- Collaborate with DVP Development to recommend and implement effective points of contact with donors for the purposes of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of six-figure+ gifts
- Identify opportunities to present our work more effectively and enhance the donor experience
- Launch or relaunch giving societies – e.g., cumulative lifetime giving, high-end annual giving, legacy society – with an emphasis on philanthropy and engagement rather than perks and benefits
- Advise on ways to streamline and improve donor communications and engagement, e.g., by leveraging technology, balancing push / pull outreach, adjusting the mix of print / digital and other media
- Guide the larger Development team in positioning our programs to inspire greater philanthropic support
Qualifications And Education Requirements
- Minimum 4-5 years of related experience in nonprofit stewardship, donor communications, fundraising, or related transferable experience
- Experience leading a team in a development setting, including direct supervision of colleagues in donor engagement and stewardship; and/or management of a stable of contractors and freelancers
- Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced, multifaceted environment and lead numerous functions and various projects simultaneously
- Exceptional written communication, relationship-building, project management and collaboration skills
- Intellectual curiosity
- Must be professional, highly organized, creative, efficient, and collaborative.
- Cultural competence: ability to work seamlessly with colleagues across four continents.
- Able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team.
- Must be flexible and willing to take on new responsibilities within a growing program
- Ability to travel regionally/internationally for trainings and team meetings
- A degree from a four-year college or university preferred
- Knowledge of Microsoft products, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook required; familiarity with Adobe, Canva or other graphic design / visual communications programs a plus
- Must be fully fluent English speaking/writing
At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Hiring range in US is $68,000-$84,000 USD
Hiring range in UK is 46,000-55,000 GBP
#J-18808-LjbffrDonor Engagement Manager in London employer: IFAW
At IFAW, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact in conservation and animal welfare. Our London office offers a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary range, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that our employees thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to a noble cause. Join us in our mission to create a world where animals and people can thrive together, and experience the unique advantage of working with a globally respected nonprofit dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Donor Engagement Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with IFAW's mission and recent projects. Understanding their work in conservation and rescue will help you communicate effectively about their impact, which is crucial for a role focused on donor engagement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the nonprofit sector, especially those involved in fundraising and donor relations. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights into best practices and potential opportunities at IFAW.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in managing donor communications and stewardship programs. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that have successfully engaged high-net-worth individuals.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to analyse donor engagement metrics. Prepare examples of how you've used data to inform your strategies and improve donor experiences, as this will be key in the role of Donor Engagement Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Donor Engagement Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in donor engagement, communications, and fundraising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire philanthropic support and manage donor relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for IFAW's mission and how your skills align with the role of Donor Engagement Manager. Be sure to mention your experience in leading teams and developing donor engagement strategies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional written communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application materials are well-written, clear, and free of errors. Consider including examples of past donor communications or reports you've created.
Highlight Relevant Metrics:If applicable, include metrics or outcomes from previous roles that demonstrate your success in donor engagement and fundraising. This could be in the form of increased donations, successful campaigns, or improved donor retention rates.
How to prepare for a job interview at IFAW
✨Know IFAW Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research IFAW's mission, recent projects, and impact stories. Understanding their work will help you articulate how your skills align with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Donor Engagement Manager, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged donors or stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating compelling donor communications and how you can enhance donor experiences.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
This role involves managing a team of freelancers and contractors. Be prepared to share your leadership style and provide examples of how you've effectively led teams in previous roles, especially in a fundraising or nonprofit context.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've had to develop donor engagement plans or overcome challenges in donor stewardship, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
