Philanthropy Engagement Associate

Join a mission-driven team focused on promoting safety, stability, and connection for children and youth in South Dakota. At Lutheran Social Services (LSS), we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family. Our priority is to support and empower families, ensuring children are in a place where they can heal, grow, and reach their full potential. Our values form the foundation of who we are and how we operate, prioritizing a whole-person, family-centered approach to care within a continuum of services.

About the Role

The Philanthropy Engagement Associate strengthens donor relationships by designing and delivering strategic engagement, stewardship, and event experiences that deepen connection. This role leads the planning and execution of fundraising and stewardship events, coordinates donor engagement activities, and partners with the Vice President of Mission Advancement and the Director of Marketing & Communications to create compelling donor-centric communications. This position leads donor acquisition efforts, enhances donor retention, and contributes significantly to the annual fundraising goals of the organization, playing a critical role in carrying out the LSS mission.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate expertise in event planning, strong organizational and time management abilities, and coordination of volunteers and donor-centered stewardship.
• Utilize email-marketing platforms, direct-mail processes, and digital analytics for engagement metrics.
• Proficiently use donor management and fundraising software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang) for data entry, reporting, segmentation, and maintaining data integrity.
• Develop and interpret engagement metrics and dashboards to inform strategy.
• Apply a solid understanding of fundraising industry practices, including donor acquisition, stewardship, and retention best practices.
• Manage small group and virtual engagement opportunities, including tours, impact briefings, and program touchpoints.
• Lead or support signature events, ensuring strong logistics, volunteer coordination, and donor-centered stewardship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, event management, hospitality, business, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in donor engagement, fundraising, event management, communications, or nonprofit operations.
• Previous experience supervising and coordinating volunteers preferred.
• Prior experience using donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang) preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have valid auto insurance and a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one for approved driver status.
• Must successfully complete all agency background checks, including checks for criminal convictions, behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, and drug or sex crimes.

Travel is required; mileage reimbursement provided. Occasional evenings and weekends may be needed.

Benefits

• $600 hiring bonus for external candidates.
• PTO: Frontloaded up to 24 hours for benefit-eligible employees.
• 8 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with a 3% employer match.
• Four Wellmark BCBS medical plan options, including HSA and FSA options.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

Core Values

• Compassionate: We engage with empathy and provide non-judgmental services.
• Appreciative: We recognize and develop the strengths of our clients and employees.
• Respectful: We build professional and collaborative relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues.
• Ethical: We uphold high standards of integrity and quality in all actions.
• Strategic: We anticipate and respond proactively to community needs.