Donor Relations Officer

Description:

South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. SHIM provides food, clothing, financial aid, education, family support, and a host of other services to 8,500 people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. In response to the unique challenges faced by the local refugee and immigrant population, SHIM operates programming designed to support children and families in this demographic.

Job Summary:

The Donor Relations Officer builds and manages a portfolio of donors with intentionality and strategic focus. This role is responsible for developing clear plans for each donor, moving relationships forward, and confidently soliciting support aligned with SHIM’s priorities. Success in this position requires both relational strength and disciplined portfolio management—balancing meaningful engagement with measurable fundraising outcomes.

The ideal candidate is proactive, comfortable making direct asks, and able to think strategically about donor positioning, timing, and growth. This role works closely with program and development staff to translate SHIM’s impact into compelling opportunities for investment.

Work Location and Schedule:
This position may be eligible to work in a hybrid setting, once a probationary ends, subject to operational needs.

Essential Functions:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors through strategic, personalized engagement plans.
• Analyze donor history, capacity, and engagement patterns to inform outreach strategy and avoid redundant or unfocused communication.
• Proactively initiate meaningful touchpoints and gift conversations rather than relying on broad-based appeals.
• Confidently make direct, specific asks aligned with donor capacity and SHIM’s funding priorities.
• Develop clear goals, ask amounts, and timelines for each portfolio donor.
• Increase donor retention and upgrade giving through intentional stewardship and forward planning.
• Collaborate closely with program and development staff to translate SHIM’s work into compelling donor opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and strategic documentation in Raiser’s Edge NXT to support moves management and portfolio performance.
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio metrics including retention, engagement, revenue growth, and upgrade potential.
• Represent SHIM professionally in meetings, events, and community settings.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing a donor portfolio and moving donors through cultivation to solicitation.
• Strategic thinker who understands moves management and prioritization.
• Comfortable making direct asks and discussing gift amounts confidently and respectfully.
• Strong ability to interpret donor data and use it to inform relationship strategy.
• Excellent listening skills and emotional intelligence.
• Clear, compelling communicator—both written and verbal.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accountable for measurable outcomes.
• Collaborative team member who values working within a passionate, mission-driven culture.
• Proficient in donor database systems (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred) and common workplace tools.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required
• Reliable transportation is required
• Ability to travel locally is required

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Fundraising, English, Business, Communications/Public Relations, Marketing, Sociology, OR 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a similar role within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is preferred.
• While a proven track record in managing donor relationships and soliciting major gifts is a plus, the most important qualities are the skills and willingness to grow in these areas.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams, developing personalized communication plans, and using donor management systems like Raiser’s Edge NXT is beneficial, but training will be provided. Familiarity with the South Hills community or similar regions, along with an understanding of local philanthropic trends, is also a plus.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• N/A

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met as an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• While performing the duties of the job the employee is required to sit, walk, stand, use hands, fingers and feet, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift or move items up to 15 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus. Specific job duties require data entry, and the ability to hear and speak over the telephone.

Clearance Requirements:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies
• NSOR
• Mandated Reporter Training

SHIM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or employment process, please contact [email protected]