Philanthropic Operations & Engagement Officer

About the role

The Philanthropic Operations & Engagement Officer manages a high-volume portfolio of approximately 500–700 leadership annual giving, low-touch, and emerging philanthropic donors and prospects including solicitations. Occasional travel throughout Vermont and surrounding regions is required. The role is the conduit between membership, mid-level and major giving programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 500–700 low-touch, leadership annual giving, and emerging philanthropic donors and prospects.
• Build and maintain relationships through calls, emails, mailings, events, virtual meetings, and occasional in-person visits.
• Conduct renewal, upgrade, and campaign solicitations to strengthen donor retention and increase giving.
• Prioritize donor outreach based on donor interests, engagement history, and fundraising goals.
• Identify, qualify, and advance prospective donors, members, and existing mid-level donors into the philanthropy program.
• Use donor data, CRM tools, and research to identify opportunities for increased engagement and giving.
• Analyze donor activity and giving patterns to assess readiness for deeper philanthropic involvement.
• Serve as a liaison between membership and philanthropy by helping move donors through the giving pipeline.
• Conduct confidential donor and prospect research and make recommendations on donor segmentation, portfolio assignments, and engagement strategies.
• Process donor renewals, gift acknowledgments, Maintain accurate donor records, activity notes, and reporting in the CRM system.
• Ensure donors are assigned to the appropriate relationship manager.
• Manage the philanthropy inbox and direct donor inquiries to the appropriate staff member.
• Support donor recognition activities and administrative processes that contribute to effective fundraising operations.
• Support donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
• Collaborate with membership, philanthropy, and sponsorship teams on fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
• Participate in departmental meetings, planning activities, and cross-functional projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, membership, advancement services, prospect research, or nonprofit development.
• Experience managing donor relationships, donor portfolios, or engagement activities.
• Experience using CRM systems and donor management software such as Revolution On Line (ROI) is preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license to drive to various work sites; Ability to occasional travel throughout Vermont and surrounding regions is required.