Donor Relations Associate

United States, Multiple Locations, Great Lakes Region

Applications due: 30 Jan, 2026

Job Synopsis

This position contributes to the overall fundraising framework provided by MCC U.S. donor relations and carried out in the Great Lakes region. This results in deepened constituent relationships with MCC as evidenced by meeting annual goals for financial contributions as well as number of contacts made via various channels (personal visits, phone calls, speaking engagements, email and notes). The DR Associate will be the face of MCC to many of our top donors and constituent groups. Effective work will result in strong financial support for MCC's programs around the world, while ineffective work could reduce contributions.

Job Details

Salaried Employee -Full Time at 1 FTE

Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in related field.

• One to three years' experience in fundraising, non-profit work.

• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities, follow through on detailed tasks, and work collaboratively within a team environment

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public speaking.

• Ability to relate well to a broad spectrum of people with sensitivity; to listen perceptively; and elicit appropriate responses.

• Strong organizational, time management, and follow-through skills required.

• High comfort level with donor database (Donor Perfect Online preferred), spreadsheet usage and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Valid U.S. driver's license with acceptable driving record and eligible to be an MCC authorized driver as defined by policy, insurance, and legal requirements.

Organizational values and culture: All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Employment eligibility: Legally eligible to work in the U.S. MCC offers of employment are subject to a successful criminal background check(s).

Preferred:

• Preferred: 3-5 years experience in Fundraising/Development or related field.

• Bachelor's degree in fundraising, communications or social/human services

• Experience working with multifaceted organizational structures

• Bilingual

Anti-oppression commitment: MCC expects all staff to actively participate in an organization culture that focuses on dismantling any barriers based on race, economic inequality or gender-based oppression. This includes an expectation to assess and address any barriers within themselves, within their team(s), and within MCC;

Safeguarding commitment: All MCC Staff are expected to work collaboratively to create and maintain an organizational culture that prevents and responds to situations of abuse of power (sexual harassment, child abuse, racism, exploitation, and fraud among other situations)

Key Responsibilities

Specific Tasks and Duties:

Donor Engagement (80%):

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with individual major donors (directly, and via team efforts).

• Establish, build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective major donors with the goal of increasing annual giving and encouraging estate gifts that benefit MCC.

• Initiate meaningful personal contacts through phone calls, email, notes etc., including acknowledging gifts made and reporting on impact of donations.

• Prioritize face-to-face meetings with major donors and other supporters/groups.

• Achieve contact and other goals required to meet overall fundraising targets.

• With the support of MCC U.S. staff, utilize Donor Perfect Online and other technology-based tools for regular analysis and adjustment of strategies.

• Personally acknowledge (via personal visit, note, and/or phone) gifts above set thresholds, and other gifts with special circumstances.

• Publicly represent and speak on behalf of MCC to church and constituent groups.

Network Collaboration (10%):

• Fully participate in and support the MCC U.S. donor relations network and activities.

• Maintain a working knowledge of trends and best practices in fundraising.

• Be knowledgeable of basic planned giving information and utilize Mennonite Foundation services for interested persons.

• Attend at least one professional development event annually

Administrative (10%):

• Participate in Great Lakes staff meetings and retreats, Great Lakes Communications & Donor Relations (CDR) team meetings and MCC U.S. Donor Relations network meetings.

• Meet at least monthly with Great Lakes Executive Director and Great Lakes Donor Relations Director.

• Stay current with MCC activities and programs.

Other duties as assigned on a temporary basis.

Supervision: No supervisory responsibilities.

Travel expectations: Travel up to 50% or 31-40 nights away per year within the surrounding states. (Most travel within the Great Lakes region)

Physical activity/demands:

• Occasionally remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

• Occasionally operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Start Date

09 Mar, Yes

Term Length

3 months

Salary Details

Base salary: $59, Starting salary may be adjusted up to $65,855.15 based on previous experience.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision, 23 days paid vacation, sick time and 10 holidays/year. Life insurance provided, as well as long and short term disability coverage. The retirement plan, with MCC contribution of 7%, begins after six months of employment.

Location Description

Great Lakes. Eligible for remote work within the Great Lakes region