Philanthropy Specialist (Mid-Level Donor Relations)

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Description

Philanthropy Specialist (Mid-Level Donor Relations)

About Us: Vision House is a nonprofit Christian organization helping families with children break the cycle of homelessness. Through transitional housing, programs and supportive services, we provide families in Washington State with opportunities for life change to overcome trauma, generational poverty and situational homelessness. Regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual preference, every person deserves a healthy home.

Job Summary: The Philanthropy Specialist is responsible for focusing on donor stewardship and engagement to support Vision House’s mission. This includes managing a portfolio of mid-level donors as well as supporting the development of business and organizational relationships. This role is ideal for individuals with some fundraising or customer service experience looking to grow in the field of donor relations. Your priority will be providing a valued and authentic experience via telephone, email, and mail with the goal of providing donors with a meaningful relationship that enhances their connection to Vision House. You will work closely with the philanthropy team to help meet organizational goals and cultivate donor relationships.

REPORTS TO: Director of Philanthropy HOURS: 40 hours per week (full-time, hourly) LOCATION: Renton or Shoreline, WA

Our new Philanthropy Specialist will enjoy the following benefits:

• $27-$30 per hour DOE
• Multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options with employee/employer premium cost sharing
• Fifteen (15) days of paid vacation accrued during the first year of employment, with vacation accrual rates increasing based on length of service
• Paid sick leave accrued at 1.385 hours for every 40 hours worked, equivalent to approximately nine (9) paid sick days annually for full-time employees
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
• Employee-sponsored life insurance options available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous Childcare Tuition Assistance

At Vision House, we serve populations from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and actively seek applicants that will balance our employment workforce to align with the populations we serve. Questions regarding our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be directed towards our HR department.

As a Philanthropy Specialist you will:

• Manage a portfolio of 450+ mid-level donors, ensuring regular communication and building relationships through personalized outreach (phone calls, emails, thank you notes).
• The Specialist will reach each donor a minimum of once per quarter through specific touchpoints. This program requires excellent phone skills and has a high outbound call volume.
• In addition to asking, the Specialist will timely thank and report to donors on the impact of their gift. A significant amount of handwriting is required.
• Implement strategies for donor retention and growth, focusing on increasing donor engagement through thoughtful stewardship.
• Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and other donor reps to move donors through the giving pipeline, encouraging upgrades to major giving levels.
• Support development of corporate and community organization relationships.
• Assist with the planning and coordinating of events focusing on donor appreciation, fundraising and other donor or community-driven engagement activities.
• Update and maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gifts using Donor Perfect (or a similar CRM/database).
• Support the execution of small-scale fundraising campaigns targeting mid-level donors, ensuring timely follow-up and reporting.
• Provide excellent customer service, responding to donor inquiries and ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.
• Participate in select fundraising events and outreach activities to build connections with current and prospective donors, including assisting with sponsor and table captain recruitment.
• Represent Vision House in presentations to community groups, churches, and businesses.
• Attend networking events to build relationships and increase Vision House's visibility.
• Collaborate with the philanthropy team on communications materials and reports tailored for mid-level donors.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Vision House's mission and program to promote fundraising initiatives.
• Participate in call campaigns as needed
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers
• Adhere to the Vision House Donor’s Bill of Rights
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Philanthropy specialist candidates should have the following qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in fundraising, sales, customer service, or a related field (nonprofit experience a plus, but not required).
• Excellent organization, time management, and detail-orientation skills are required to manage donor caseload and document relationship status and updates.
• Outcome driven with ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Strong ability to listen compassionately and probe effectively to establish a good rapport with donors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect with donors in a personalized and engaging manner.
• Basic understanding of fundraising principles and donor stewardship strategies, with a desire to learn and grow in this field.
• Comfortable working with CRM systems and technology; experience with Donor Perfect or similar platforms is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Vision House.
• Very comfortable with all types of technology and innovative ways of engaging with individual donors
• Ability to work occasional weekends and/or evenings
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality, including consistent adherence to scheduled work hours and attendance expectations.
• Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ whose beliefs are consistent with and support Vision House's Statement of Faith and who is willing to affirm the Statement of Faith as a condition of employment.

Physical Demands/Work Requirements:

• Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to lift 25 lbs

Vision House is a Christian service agency.Applicants will have employment eligibility verified with E-Verify.