Director, Donor Engagement
The Center, Palm Springs, CA, United States
Position Title:
Director, Donor Engagement Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer Classification:
Full-time Term:
Ongoing Compensation:
$85,000-$115,000 annually plus Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 401k Matching, PTO Location:
Palm Springs* *This Director-level position serves as a visible, front-facing leader and ambassador for The Center within the Coachella Valley. The role requires meaningful, consistent in-person engagement with donors, partners, and community members to build trust and deepen relationships. To successfully fulfill these responsibilities, the selected candidate must reside within the Coachella Valley or relocate within 2 months of hire. The Center With a Mission of Creating Vibrant Community by Helping LGBTQ+ People along Their Way, The Center’s work stretches across the Coachella Valley. From its Palm Springs McDonald Wright Building to The Center Coachella, the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic to the Community Food Bank, the organization offers a wide range of programs and services. With a talented staff, a dedicated corps of volunteers, generous donors, and multi-race/multi-generational clients, The Center’s work is focused on Ending Isolation & Loneliness, Connecting People to Resources & Community, and Enriching Our Individual & Collective Experience. Why This Position Exists The Center’s modernized Development structure is organized around three essential growth drivers:
Reach, Relationships, and Revenue. Sponsorships & Digital Engagement
expands Reach and earned revenue. Community Engagement
builds Relationships by growing trust, participation, and belonging. Donor Engagement
converts those relationships into sustainable Revenue through deep philanthropic investment. The Director, Donor Engagement leads the Revenue pillar for individual philanthropy — ensuring supporters move from interest → investment → ownership → ambassadorship. This is not a transactional fundraising role. It is a strategic leadership position responsible for building relationships that lead to long-term philanthropic sustainability. Position Summary The Director, Donor Engagement designs and leads The Center’s individual philanthropic strategy, overseeing the full donor lifecycle and cultivating a culture of belonging among investors in our mission. This role transforms donors from casual supporters into committed partners and champions. It owns revenue strategy, donor experience, and long-term pipeline growth, ensuring predictable, scalable, and resilient philanthropic income. The Director reports to the CEO and serves as a key strategic partner across departments. Core Strategic Question How do we meaningfully move individuals from interest → investment → ownership → ambassadorship? What This Position Owns 1. Philanthropic Strategy & Revenue Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive individual giving strategy aligned with annual and multi-year revenue goals Own forecasting, pipeline management, and revenue performance for individual philanthropy Build multi-year philanthropic growth plans Serve as strategic advisor to CEO and Board on donor strategy and major gift positioning 2. Major, Mid-Level & Leadership Giving Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for transformational and multi-year gifts Identify and advance legacy and planned giving opportunities Support board members in peer-to-peer fundraising and relationship development Partner with Sponsorships & Digital Engagement to transition sponsorship relationships into philanthropic investment where appropriate 3. Donor Experience & Stewardship Architecture Own the end-to-end donor experience across all touchpoints Establish stewardship standards, cadence, and recognition frameworks Ensure donors feel seen, valued, and connected — never processed Create systems focused on relationships, connection, and belonging 4. Giving Programs & Philanthropic Pathways Design and lead structured giving pathways that guide supporters from first gift to lifetime investment. The Ocotillo Club (Sustained Giving Community) Own and grow The Center’s Ocotillo Club recurring donor program Increase membership, retention, and average monthly gift Create upgrade pathways from entry-level recurring giving to leadership tiers Develop tiered recognition and engagement opportunities Design stewardship experiences that foster belonging and loyalty Position Ocotillo Club as a core pipeline into major and legacy giving The Legacy Circle (Planned & Estate Giving) Own and grow The Center’s Legacy Circle planned giving program Identify, cultivate, and steward legacy prospects with long-term capacity Normalize and thoughtfully introduce estate giving conversations Design recognition and stewardship experiences that honor long-term commitment Integrate planned giving messaging into donor lifecycle strategy 5. Donor Communications & Storytelling In partnership with Chief Communications Officer: Produce monthly Ocotillo Club newsletter to highlight organizational impact Oversee donor-centered appeals and personalized messaging Translate program impact into emotionally resonant donor narratives Partner closely with Communications to ensure voice, tone, and storytelling reflect belonging and impact Ensure consistent messaging across donor lifecycle stages Track donor retention, lifetime value, upgrade velocity, and multi-year commitments Use segmentation and engagement signals to inform strategy Partner with Development Operations team to maintain clean, actionable data Monitor risk of donor disengagement and act early to strengthen engagement As a Director-level leader, this role: Thinks strategically, not tactically Builds relationship-focused systems Leads with emotional intelligence and accountability Drives measurable revenue growth Collaborates cross-functionally across Programs, Communications, Community Engagement, and Sponsorships Represents The Center externally with confidence, credibility, and mission-integrity What Success Looks Like Increased revenue, number of donors, donor retention and renewal year over year Expanded Ocotillo Club membership, retention, and upgrade rates Increased lifetime donor value and multi-year commitments Strong board engagement in giving and referrals A visible pipeline of transformational gift prospects Donors who feel proud, emotionally connected, and personally invested in The Center’s future Growth in documented planned gifts and Legacy Circle commitments Strong conversion from leadership donors into legacy commitments Profile of the Ideal Leader Builder of predictable revenue (Ocotillo Club) Driver of growth revenue (Leadership Giving) Architect of long-term sustainability (Legacy Circle) Strategic relationship architect Emotionally intelligent and people-centered Skilled storyteller who connects heart, data, and impact Comfortable in both intimate and executive-level settings Data-informed without losing warmth Future-focused and growth-minded Positioning Within the Ecosystem This role does not own community-wide engagement, grassroots event fundraising, or sponsorship sales. It owns deep philanthropic relationships with individuals ready to invest financially in The Center’s mission. Donor Engagement builds the inner circle — those who give because they belong, not because they were asked. How This Position Connects Across the Organization Feeds From: Community Engagement → engaged participants ready to invest Sponsorships & Digital Engagement → sponsor-to-donor transitions Programs & Communications → authentic impact stories Feeds Into: Board giving and ambassador development Campaign leadership and transformational readiness Organizational resilience and revenue predictability ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Vision:
Thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, living authentically in supportive inclusive communities. Mission:
Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way. Strategic Initiatives: Ending Isolation and Loneliness Connecting People to Services & Community Enriching Our Individual and Collective Experiences Values:
Integrity: We do what’s right and stand by our values to support and provide assistance to our LGBTQ+ Community. Equity:
Any and all are welcome at The Center for our community is of utmost priority, and we will provide assistance to whomever comes through our doors. Joy:
Our community’s happiness is our happiness. We find joy in building the LGBTQ+ community up and we strive to deliver that joy in every aspect at The Center. E
QUAL OPPORTUNITY: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, including those of color, women, non-binary, genderqueer, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex are encouraged to apply. The Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees, volunteers, interns, and applicants. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical/mental condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by statute; nor as to any individuals associating with an individual of any legally protected class. TO APPLY: To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining your interest and applicable skills along with a CV/resume to jobs@thecentercv.org
. Position will remain open until filled. The Center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) public charity •EIN # 33-0937301
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director, Donor Engagement Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer Classification:
Full-time Term:
Ongoing Compensation:
$85,000-$115,000 annually plus Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 401k Matching, PTO Location:
Palm Springs* *This Director-level position serves as a visible, front-facing leader and ambassador for The Center within the Coachella Valley. The role requires meaningful, consistent in-person engagement with donors, partners, and community members to build trust and deepen relationships. To successfully fulfill these responsibilities, the selected candidate must reside within the Coachella Valley or relocate within 2 months of hire. The Center With a Mission of Creating Vibrant Community by Helping LGBTQ+ People along Their Way, The Center’s work stretches across the Coachella Valley. From its Palm Springs McDonald Wright Building to The Center Coachella, the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic to the Community Food Bank, the organization offers a wide range of programs and services. With a talented staff, a dedicated corps of volunteers, generous donors, and multi-race/multi-generational clients, The Center’s work is focused on Ending Isolation & Loneliness, Connecting People to Resources & Community, and Enriching Our Individual & Collective Experience. Why This Position Exists The Center’s modernized Development structure is organized around three essential growth drivers:
Reach, Relationships, and Revenue. Sponsorships & Digital Engagement
expands Reach and earned revenue. Community Engagement
builds Relationships by growing trust, participation, and belonging. Donor Engagement
converts those relationships into sustainable Revenue through deep philanthropic investment. The Director, Donor Engagement leads the Revenue pillar for individual philanthropy — ensuring supporters move from interest → investment → ownership → ambassadorship. This is not a transactional fundraising role. It is a strategic leadership position responsible for building relationships that lead to long-term philanthropic sustainability. Position Summary The Director, Donor Engagement designs and leads The Center’s individual philanthropic strategy, overseeing the full donor lifecycle and cultivating a culture of belonging among investors in our mission. This role transforms donors from casual supporters into committed partners and champions. It owns revenue strategy, donor experience, and long-term pipeline growth, ensuring predictable, scalable, and resilient philanthropic income. The Director reports to the CEO and serves as a key strategic partner across departments. Core Strategic Question How do we meaningfully move individuals from interest → investment → ownership → ambassadorship? What This Position Owns 1. Philanthropic Strategy & Revenue Leadership Develop and execute a comprehensive individual giving strategy aligned with annual and multi-year revenue goals Own forecasting, pipeline management, and revenue performance for individual philanthropy Build multi-year philanthropic growth plans Serve as strategic advisor to CEO and Board on donor strategy and major gift positioning 2. Major, Mid-Level & Leadership Giving Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for transformational and multi-year gifts Identify and advance legacy and planned giving opportunities Support board members in peer-to-peer fundraising and relationship development Partner with Sponsorships & Digital Engagement to transition sponsorship relationships into philanthropic investment where appropriate 3. Donor Experience & Stewardship Architecture Own the end-to-end donor experience across all touchpoints Establish stewardship standards, cadence, and recognition frameworks Ensure donors feel seen, valued, and connected — never processed Create systems focused on relationships, connection, and belonging 4. Giving Programs & Philanthropic Pathways Design and lead structured giving pathways that guide supporters from first gift to lifetime investment. The Ocotillo Club (Sustained Giving Community) Own and grow The Center’s Ocotillo Club recurring donor program Increase membership, retention, and average monthly gift Create upgrade pathways from entry-level recurring giving to leadership tiers Develop tiered recognition and engagement opportunities Design stewardship experiences that foster belonging and loyalty Position Ocotillo Club as a core pipeline into major and legacy giving The Legacy Circle (Planned & Estate Giving) Own and grow The Center’s Legacy Circle planned giving program Identify, cultivate, and steward legacy prospects with long-term capacity Normalize and thoughtfully introduce estate giving conversations Design recognition and stewardship experiences that honor long-term commitment Integrate planned giving messaging into donor lifecycle strategy 5. Donor Communications & Storytelling In partnership with Chief Communications Officer: Produce monthly Ocotillo Club newsletter to highlight organizational impact Oversee donor-centered appeals and personalized messaging Translate program impact into emotionally resonant donor narratives Partner closely with Communications to ensure voice, tone, and storytelling reflect belonging and impact Ensure consistent messaging across donor lifecycle stages Track donor retention, lifetime value, upgrade velocity, and multi-year commitments Use segmentation and engagement signals to inform strategy Partner with Development Operations team to maintain clean, actionable data Monitor risk of donor disengagement and act early to strengthen engagement As a Director-level leader, this role: Thinks strategically, not tactically Builds relationship-focused systems Leads with emotional intelligence and accountability Drives measurable revenue growth Collaborates cross-functionally across Programs, Communications, Community Engagement, and Sponsorships Represents The Center externally with confidence, credibility, and mission-integrity What Success Looks Like Increased revenue, number of donors, donor retention and renewal year over year Expanded Ocotillo Club membership, retention, and upgrade rates Increased lifetime donor value and multi-year commitments Strong board engagement in giving and referrals A visible pipeline of transformational gift prospects Donors who feel proud, emotionally connected, and personally invested in The Center’s future Growth in documented planned gifts and Legacy Circle commitments Strong conversion from leadership donors into legacy commitments Profile of the Ideal Leader Builder of predictable revenue (Ocotillo Club) Driver of growth revenue (Leadership Giving) Architect of long-term sustainability (Legacy Circle) Strategic relationship architect Emotionally intelligent and people-centered Skilled storyteller who connects heart, data, and impact Comfortable in both intimate and executive-level settings Data-informed without losing warmth Future-focused and growth-minded Positioning Within the Ecosystem This role does not own community-wide engagement, grassroots event fundraising, or sponsorship sales. It owns deep philanthropic relationships with individuals ready to invest financially in The Center’s mission. Donor Engagement builds the inner circle — those who give because they belong, not because they were asked. How This Position Connects Across the Organization Feeds From: Community Engagement → engaged participants ready to invest Sponsorships & Digital Engagement → sponsor-to-donor transitions Programs & Communications → authentic impact stories Feeds Into: Board giving and ambassador development Campaign leadership and transformational readiness Organizational resilience and revenue predictability ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Vision:
Thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, living authentically in supportive inclusive communities. Mission:
Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way. Strategic Initiatives: Ending Isolation and Loneliness Connecting People to Services & Community Enriching Our Individual and Collective Experiences Values:
Integrity: We do what’s right and stand by our values to support and provide assistance to our LGBTQ+ Community. Equity:
Any and all are welcome at The Center for our community is of utmost priority, and we will provide assistance to whomever comes through our doors. Joy:
Our community’s happiness is our happiness. We find joy in building the LGBTQ+ community up and we strive to deliver that joy in every aspect at The Center. E
QUAL OPPORTUNITY: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, including those of color, women, non-binary, genderqueer, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex are encouraged to apply. The Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees, volunteers, interns, and applicants. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical/mental condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by statute; nor as to any individuals associating with an individual of any legally protected class. TO APPLY: To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining your interest and applicable skills along with a CV/resume to jobs@thecentercv.org
. Position will remain open until filled. The Center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) public charity •EIN # 33-0937301
#J-18808-Ljbffr