Donor Relations Advisor (Central, US)

PURPOSE

The Donor Relations Advisor is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with existing and prospective donors within their assigned region (including but not limited to Iowa, MN, N. Dakota, S. Dakota) to increase financial support, deepen engagement, and cultivate major and planned gift opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Donor Relationship Management

  • Manage a portfolio of assigned donors, developing and executing individualized engagement and Moves Management plans.
  • Cultivate and steward relationships through personalized communication, including in-person visits, phone calls, written correspondence, and virtual engagement.
  • Facilitate meaningful connections between donors and World Renew’s work, including meetings with staff and participation in Discovery Tours.
  • Research donor history, giving patterns, and capacity to inform engagement strategies.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions in the CRM system (Salesforce).
  • Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Church and Community Engagement, Transformational Development) to ensure coordinated and effective donor engagement.
  • Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospective major and planned gift donors.

• Strategic Fundraising & Portfolio Growth

  • Develop and implement Moves Management strategies to advance donor relationships toward increased giving.
  • Establish and track individual and portfolio fundraising goals aligned with regional and organizational targets.
  • Prepare and present proposals, case statements, and funding opportunities tailored to donor interests.
  • Provide regular updates and impact reports to donors to strengthen engagement and trust.
  • Ensure timely, personalized, and meaningful donor stewardship, including acknowledgments and follow-up communications.

• Planned Giving & Campaign Participation

  • Promote planned giving opportunities in collaboration with the broader Donor Relations team and external partners.
  • Support and participate in comprehensive fundraising campaigns and related initiatives.

• Donor Engagement & Communication

  • Share relevant program updates, reports, and stories to connect donors with World Renew’s mission and impact.
  • Stay informed about global programs and priorities to effectively align donor interests with funding opportunities.

• Travel & Events

  • Conduct regular in-person donor visits and participate in regional donor engagement and fundraising events.
  • Represent World Renew at events, churches, and partner gatherings within the assigned region.
  • Accompany donors on international exposure trips, as appropriate.

• Data Management & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate donor records and ensure data integrity within the CRM system.
  • Track donor engagement activities and contribute to reporting on fundraising performance and outcomes.

• Representation

  • Serve as a professional and faith-aligned ambassador of World Renew in all donor interactions.
  • Uphold and reflect World Renew’s mission, values, and commitment to stewardship and accountability.

• Other Duties

  • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required; preferred fields include nonprofit management, business, marketing, communications, or related disciplines.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, sales, or customer service.
  • Experience with major gift fundraising and donor portfolio management preferred.
  • CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation is an asset or willingness to pursue certification.

• Skills & Attributes

  • Commitment to Christ and ability to recognize fund development as a Kingdom vocation that contributes to the ministry of World Renew.
  • Alignment with and commitment to World Renew’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
  • Commitment to advancing gender equality, equity, and justice across programs and organizational practices.
  • Ability to articulate a biblical worldview and effectively communicate World Renew’s mission and impact.
  • Working knowledge of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is an asset.
  • Proven experience in major gift fundraising, donor relations, or relationship-based sales.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Ability to develop and execute strategic engagement plans and achieve measurable goals.
  • Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and donor data management.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to handle confidential donor information with discretion and integrity.
  • Willingness and ability to travel regionally and internationally as required.

• Other Requirements

  • Commitment to World Renew’s mission and values.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluency in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to travel within the assigned region approximately 25–30% of the time.
• Occasional travel within the United States and to Canada.
• Periodic international travel may be required.
• Extended time spent in front of a computer screen using electronic mail, writing proposals, reviewing data, and reports, and meeting teams virtually.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is regionally based with an annual hybrid work arrangement. The incumbent will be expected to travel to Byron Center, MI up to 4 times a year for a duration of 1 week each time.
• Work may include evenings and weekends to accommodate donor schedules and events.
• Occasional international travel to environments with limited infrastructure, including variable access to water, electricity, and healthcare resources.