Grants and Donor Relations Specialist

About the Role

The Grants and Donor Relations Manager works closely with the Development Director to develop strategies for and manage activities related to donor relations and fundraising activities, including corporate, foundation, and government grants; individual giving; and special events. They will develop and implement integrated strategies to strengthen donor relations and build partnerships within the Greater Kansas City community.

Responsibilities

• Grants management:
  • Researching grant opportunities
  • Tracking grant application and report deadlines
  • Processing grant applications, including collecting and organizing requisite data and documents, writing accompanying narratives, and submitting to funders
  • Processing grant reports, including collecting and organizing requisite data, documents, and records; writing accompanying narratives; and submitting to funders
• Donor relations management:
  • Assisting Development Director in identifying and researching potential donors and developing targeted strategies for approaching potential donors
  • Developing, implementing, and evaluating donor engagement opportunities, including Jazz Series receptions, in collaboration with the Development Director
  • Managing contribution processing systems, including programming the Folly's CRM, entering data in the CRM, training other staff on data entry, ensuring accurate and thorough records, and preparing, sending, and filing donor acknowledgement letters
  • Managing fundraising appeals in coordination with Development Director and Marketing Manager, including project management, concept development, copy writing, proofing, and distribution list preparation
  • Compiling and preparing donor reports, including monthly reports of online donations and annual reports of donors
• Special events management:
  • Developing, coordinating logistics, and implementing fundraising events in collaboration with Development Director
  • Researching potential sponsor candidates in collaboration with Development Director
  • Managing sponsorship activities, including maintaining accurate sponsor records and implementing sponsor benefit opportunities
  • Collaborating with the Marketing Manager on marketing activities for fundraising events, including developing collateral materials and social and electronic media assets
  • Evaluating fundraising event success metrics in collaboration with President and CEO and Development Director
• Develop strategic outreach opportunities to cultivate new community partnerships, including management of the Metzler Initiative to Expand the Arts at the Folly
• Work collaboratively with the entire Folly Team to support the efforts of all Folly operations, including selling tickets, answering patron questions, providing customer service support, and attending performances as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Computer software proficiency, e.g. Microsoft Office Suite and donor CRMs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to think strategically and creatively respond to emerging opportunities
• Ability to manage confidential information
• Knowledge of arts community and downtown Kansas City

Skills

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to self-manage multiple priorities
• High energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, and friendly demeanor
• Self starter
• Love of the arts and passion for helping others

Pay & Schedule

• Full-time, salaried position
• Starting salary $50,000-$75,000 commensurate with experience
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required

Benefits

• Complete and competitive benefit package