Donor Relations Manager

Job Title

Donor Relations Manager

Reports to

Director of Philanthropy

Location

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia

FLSA Status

Exempt

EEO Classification

Professionals

 

 

Job Purpose

 

The Donor Relations Manager – Mid-Level Giving plays a key role in advancing the mission of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) by cultivating, managing, and growing a portfolio of mid-level donors who directly support the organization’s ministries and services throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

 

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, this position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic engagement plans to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and grow giving within the mid-level donor segment, typically defined as individuals contributing between $1,000 and $9,000 annually.  The Donor Relations Manager works closely with the broader Philanthropy team to ensure a seamless donor experience and to support the long-term development of a sustainable major gifts pipeline.

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This role contributes to strengthening donor engagement, expanding philanthropic support, and furthering the mission of Catholic Charities in alignment with the values and social teachings of the Catholic Church.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Mid-Level Donor Portfolio Management

• Manage and actively engage a portfolio of approximately 500–600 mid-level donors using tailored strategies to deepen relationships and encourage increased giving.
• Develop and implement individualized donor engagement plans focused on retention, upgrading, and identifying opportunities for major or planned gifts.
• Conduct regular outreach through phone calls, written correspondence, electronic communication, and in-person meetings when appropriate to build strong, mission-centered relationships.

 

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Build meaningful relationships with donors by understanding their philanthropic interests and aligning those interests with the programs and services of Catholic Charities.
• Ensure consistent, timely, and personalized donor stewardship, including acknowledgments, updates, and impact communication.
• Support donor retention efforts through proactive engagement strategies and thoughtful recognition practices.

 

Strategic Development and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to ensure alignment across fundraising strategies and a cohesive donor experience.
• Support the identification and transition of qualified donors to major gift portfolios when appropriate.
• Assist with engagement and relationship management efforts involving donor advised funds and other funding partners.

 

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of donor interactions, activities, and giving history within the organization’s CRM system.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators related to donor retention, engagement, and revenue growth.
• Prepare reports and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making and program improvements.

 

Organizational Responsibilities

• Treat all donors, colleagues, program participants, and community partners with dignity and respect.
• Attend meetings, events, and trainings as required to support fundraising initiatives and professional development.
• Travel locally throughout the Greater Philadelphia region for donor meetings and organizational events as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in fundraising, development, or donor relations, with demonstrated success in donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Experience working with mid-level or individual giving programs preferred.
• Experience in a Catholic or faith-based organization is preferred.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of CCoP and an understanding of Catholic Church teaching.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse donor audiences.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage a high-volume donor portfolio.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive donor and organizational information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) preferred.

 

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular local travel for donor meetings, program visits, and events.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support fundraising activities and organizational needs.
• Requires the ability to sit, stand, and work on a computer for extended periods of time

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Catholic Charities of Philadelphia

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia carries out the Church's mission of charity by providing programs and services that uphold the dignity of every person — from housing assistance to family support and community outreach.