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Director of Donor Relations & Community Events

ROME GROUP, Des Moines, IA, United States


Overview Bethel Hills is an all-inclusive faith-based community near Washington, Missouri, where adults with and without developmental disabilities live, learn, and worship together. In our first three years, we set very ambitious goals and achieved results that far exceeded expectations. We are an organization committed to making the world a better place for the neurodiverse community we serve.

Job summary The Director of Donor Relations & Community Events is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive annual fundraising strategies, including major gifts, support from corporations and foundations, direct mail campaigns, and online outreach. Additionally, the director plans, executes, and oversees all fundraising events for the organization. They report to the Executive Director and collaborate closely with the Grants Manager and the Board of Directors to develop a strategic development plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and financial objectives. The manager will handle a diverse revenue portfolio, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, special events, and planned giving. An essential part of the role involves cultivating, soliciting, and nurturing relationships with major donors and partners.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage a portfolio of loyal supporters/partners and future prospects.

Create and implement comprehensive, individualized stewardship plans for major gift donors

Conduct donor meetings and cultivation visits to strengthen relationships and advance fundraising opportunities.

Manage recognition of all donations, including donor walls and acknowledgment processes, to ensure timely appreciation.

Prepare and manage relevant budget areas, monitor fundraising performance, and ensure financial health for the organization.

Oversee various fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.

Develop sustainable, diversified fundraising plans with short- and long-term goals.

Foster strong relationships with the board of directors, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.

Track and analyze fundraising data, evaluate performance, and provide regular reports on progress to the leadership and board.

Essential Skills

Proficiency in cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with diverse donor groups.

Proven experience in designing and executing fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation and stewardship.

Ability to lead and motivate volunteers, build capacity within the board, and foster collaboration.

Act as a bridge between the organization and the local community, fostering positive relationships with residents and their families, and maintaining a strong presence within the community.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cultivating relationships, making appeals, and preparing reports.

Strong understanding of budgets and financial planning.

Required Skills

Experience: 3-5 years in fundraising or nonprofit development with proven success.

Education: While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, qualified candidates with significant, direct experience in the field will be considered.

Fundraising expertise: Knowledge of major gifts, corporate giving, grants, and event planning.

CRM proficiency: Experience with nonprofit donor management software such as Little Green Light or Raiser’s Edge.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills, including public speaking and persuasive writing.

Leadership: Strong management and team-building skills.

Strategic thinking: Ability to develop long-term plans aligned with organizational goals.

Bethel Hills is an equal opportunity employer. We provide a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, the diverse consumers we serve, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each other.

Please send a cover letter and resume to: info@bethelhills.org

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