Job description:
Reporting to the Chief Relationship Officer, this position is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of major gift and sponsorship strategies for the Berkeley Animal Campus (BAC). This role leads donor relations, business partnerships, sponsorship development, and community engagement efforts throughout Berkeley County in support of lifesaving programs and initiatives.
All duties are carried out while adhering to the highest ethical standards and ensuring the provision of animal care in a safe, competent, professional, and humane manner at all times. The ideal candidate is dynamic, energetic, and brings demonstrated experience in donor relations, sponsorship sales, and peer-to-peer fundraising. They are a persuasive and strategic communicator who inspires action, can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and exemplifies integrity, professionalism, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Relations – 50%
- Manage a portfolio of individual and corporate donors and prospects in Berkeley County through all stages of moves management, including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Steward a donor portfolio within the Berkeley community with giving levels ranging from $1,000–$4,999.
- Provide research and strategic insights into donor and partnership opportunities within Berkeley County to support the major gifts program.
- Support donor engagement initiatives such as Behind-the-Scenes tours and an annual donor luncheon.
Event Sponsorship Support – 20%
- Support sponsorship development and stewardship for signature fundraising events, including Paws in the Park and the annual Gala, targeting sponsorship levels of $500–$6,000.
- Collaborate with the development and events teams to secure, steward, and recognize event sponsors.
Campus-Specific Sponsorships & Third-Party Events – 20%
- Support sponsorships for campus-specific initiatives, including adoption campaigns, Berkeley County off-site events, and other revenue-driven programs.
- Work closely with the Administrative Events Coordinator and Berkeley Offsite Adoptions team to coordinate third-party partnerships.
- Manage all aspects of third-party events, including budgets, production timelines, logistics, and donor stewardship.
Community & Corporate Engagement – 10%
- Serve as a spokesperson for the Berkeley Campus through media appearances, networking opportunities, and community events.
- Collaborate with Berkeley Campus leadership and the Volunteer Department to connect corporate partners with volunteer opportunities and on-site volunteer days.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred. A combination of relevant college coursework and related professional experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
- CFRE certification preferred. Candidates who are not certified at the time of hire must be eligible and willing to sit for the CFRE exam.
- Minimum of two (2) years of successful fundraising or development experience, with a strong emphasis on major gifts, including the cultivation and stewardship of relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and other significant funding sources.
- Demonstrated success in personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal or major gifts from individuals, corporations, and institutional donors.
- Prior experience in a nonprofit organization is strongly preferred. Technical Skills & Systems Knowledge
- Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher.
- Experience with donor management and fundraising platforms, including Raiser’s Edge and WealthEngine.
- Working knowledge of Blackbaud products such as TeamRaiser and JustGiving, as well as other fundraising and event platforms including Greater Giving and RallyUp.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite applications, including Photoshop and Illustrator, is a plus.
- Experience with other donor databases or CRM systems is a plus.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Fundraising: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification: