Donor Relations Specialist

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Donor Relations Specialist helps strengthen Adventure Science Center's culture of philanthropy through annual giving, donor engagement, membership, and strategic fundraising initiatives. This role manages a portfolio of annual donors and prospects who give up to $2,500, developing meaningful relationships and implementing personalized strategies to cultivate, solicit, retain, and upgrade donors. The specialist conducts in‑person and virtual donor meetings, coordinates annual fund campaigns, manages the membership program, and creates engaging stewardship experiences.

FLSA Classification: Full‑Time, Exempt.

Key Responsibilities

• Annual Giving & Portfolio Management
  • Manage a portfolio of annual donors and qualified prospects giving up to $2,500 annually through personalized cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal strategies.
  • Develop and execute individualized engagement plans to acquire new donors, retain current supporters, and increase annual giving.
  • Build donor relationships via in‑person visits, phone calls, virtual meetings, written correspondence, and other outreach.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Development to identify donors ready to transition into higher giving levels.
  • Monitor donor retention, renewal, and upgrade metrics and recommend improvement strategies.
  • Coordinate annual fund appeals (e.g., Giving Tuesday, year‑end) and lead donor stewardship, fundraising, and membership engagement events.
  • Assist with campaign strategy, segmentation, messaging, and execution.
• Membership Program Management
  • Oversee membership campaigns, including new member acquisition, online processing, monthly renewals, lapsed‑member outreach, community campaigns, and prospect cultivation.
  • Develop and implement strategies to increase membership, improve retention, and strengthen member engagement.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Development to strengthen relationships with current members and create pathways for members to become donors.
  • Oversee creation and administration of membership benefits and premiums, evaluating appeal, cost, and effectiveness.
  • Identify creative opportunities to recognize, engage, and add value for members.
  • Manage membership‑related content on the ASC website and provide exceptional customer service via phone, mail, and email.
  • Analyze membership and donor data; maintain accurate reports, records, and information management.
• Development Operations & Team Support
  • Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and next steps in Altru.
  • Generate donor reports and portfolio analytics to support fundraising strategy and decision‑making.
  • Support department‑wide fundraising initiatives and special projects as assigned.
  • Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends as required.

Requirements

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail; experience reviewing work for accuracy and consistency.
• Openness to feedback and continuous process improvement.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including editing and proofreading.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build positive relationships with donors, volunteers, colleagues, and community partners.
• Analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Proactive, self‑directed, and able to work independently in a fast‑paced, collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, or willingness to develop necessary proficiency.
• Enthusiasm for museums, informal science education, and the role of philanthropy in non‑profit organizations.
• Professional, dependable, and service‑oriented conduct.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field (required).
• 2‑4 years of experience in fundraising, database administration, non‑profit operations, business, marketing, or project coordination (preferred).
• Donor database or similar CRM software knowledge (required); Blackbaud/Altru knowledge (preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superior composition, typing, and proofreading.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of fundraising events and other organizational activities.

Benefits

• Free onsite parking.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Vacation, sick, and personal days plus 11 paid holidays annually.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Complimentary membership to Adventure Science Center.
• Free or discounted admission to local venues (e.g., Nashville Zoo, The Frist Art Museum, Nashville Shores, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens).
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling and legal services).
• Eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness.

Pay

$60,000 annually

Special Conditions

The work environment involves typical office risks and requires normal safety precautions, including use of office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations. Duties may involve walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items (up to 20 lb unassisted, 50 lb assisted). The employee must have manual dexterity, visual, and auditory acuity. Some repetitive motion is involved.