Donor Relations Associate

**This is a temporary position through the end of the current school year (June 30, 2025).

ABOUT LICK-WILMERDING HIGH SCHOOL

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private school with public purpose, serving 560 students in grades 9-12 in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1895 as a vocational school, Lick-Wilmerding High School has built upon a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts to offer a robust college-prep curriculum. LWHS has a rich and distinctive academic program, with thriving departments, vibrant student life, and signature initiatives like the Center for Civic Engagement and the Public Purpose Program. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and driven by values that reach far beyond the classroom.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Donor Relations Associate plays a crucial role in supporting Lick-Wilmerding High School's fundraising efforts. This role requires strong communication and project management abilities, knowledge of donor moves management, and the ability to identify and cultivate key prospects. Working closely with the Executive Director of Advancement, the position will help identify and manage potential donors, which is crucial for expanding the donor base and securing future support for LWHS. Lick-Wilmerding High School has a rich history dating back to the early 19th Century, with a strong alumni base and pool of potential donors and advocates for the school's mission and fundraising initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Major Gift & Planned Giving Support

• Working closely with the Executive Director of Advancement, support the development and implementation of personalized cultivation and stewardship plans for major and planned giving donors
• Produce regular detailed reports and analyze data to support fundraising strategies, particularly for major gifts and planned giving
• Prepare detailed briefing materials for key leadership and volunteers before donor meetings
• Collaborate with the Business Office to reconcile restricted fund accounts, and prepare donor reports on fund balances and impact
• Maintain accurate records of all restricted and endowment gifts

Prospect Identification and Research

• Identify and qualify potential major gift and planned giving prospects through various research methods
• Conduct prospect research to determine giving capacity and develop prospect profiles and briefing materials for leadership
• Develop and execute cultivation and stewardship plans for major donors, and track this using our donor database
• Collaborate with the development team, in particular the Database Associate, to prioritize and manage prospect pipelines effectively through a moves management system

Writing and Communications

• Develop copy and design for fundraising appeals, grant proposals, and donor communications
• Partner with department colleagues to create compelling solicitation and stewardship materials utilizing different platforms like Thankview, Storyraise, Canva, and others as needed
• Prepare and distribute regular reports to donors on the use and impact of their gift
• Create personalized correspondence for high-level donors and prospects

Department

• Attend all Advancement events; help ensure successful execution of events and engagement activities
• Coordinate with various members of the Advancement team and other departments to ensure the successful execution of advancement initiatives
• Collaborate with members of the Advancement Team on stewardship activities such as events, acknowledgments, and donor recognition
• Support and staff other events and activities as needed
• Strengthen the operations of the Advancement Department
• Perform other duties consistent with the above responsibilities and in conjunction with the overall goals of the Advancement Office; Support where needed, handling both big-picture work and day-to-day tasks
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising or donor relations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in database management software (e.g., Raiser's Edge)
• Exceptional project management skills
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities

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