Job Description

Development Associate - Donor Relations

Department:Development
Location:Phoenix, AZ

The Donor Relations staff member will manage a portfolio of 4,000 mid-level donors whose annual giving ranges from $1,000 - $2,999. Collaborating with members of the Development Department, the Donor Relations staff member will take the lead in creating effective communication ideas to elevate revenue from this sector of donors.


This position will also manage the Food Bank’s Monthly Giving Circle program, consisting of 4,700 donors who contribute more than $2.5M annually. This program requires creative marketing and stewardship strategies to realize that growth and requires regular administrative oversight.

Essential Functions

  • Manage a portfolio of current mid-level donor households building relationships to ensure gift renewal.
  • Steward donors with a variety of personal communications: personal thank-you phone calls, emails, notes, tours, birthday cards, "donorversary," Thanksgiving and holiday cards, etc.
  • Develop written engagement, solicitation, and moves management strategies to move donors through a cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle.
  • Consistently reach out to donors to discuss their personal interests that may correlate with St. Mary’s programs and giving opportunities.
  • Maintain accurate records of engagements, communications, and donor information in the departmental database.
  • Manage and increase the Monthly Giving Circle program revenue by creating and implementing a strategic plan to acquire, retain and upgrade monthly donors.
  • Serve as point of contact for all monthly donor requests, returning calls and emails on the same business day.
  • Analyze monthly giving program revenue and donor count and provide monthly reports on status and progress.
  • Manage inventory for promotional items (T-shirts, cups, etc.) that are given to donors.
  • Maintain promotional item vending machine.
  • Assist with soft credit program, ensuring accurate recordkeeping between donor who give via workplace giving.
  • Assist with incoming phone calls to the department.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all internal/external customers of St. Mary’s Food Bank with an excellent service experience.


Scope and Complexity

May interact with all levels of leadership, employees, agency representatives, community neighbors, volunteers, external vendors, and clients.

Physical Demands/Environment Factors

  • Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.
  • May be required to lift; up to 20 pounds.
  • Requires significant use of personal computer, phone, and general office equipment.
  • Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects.
  • Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
  • May require off-site travel and possible out-of-state travel.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

  • Four-year degree or equivalent in related nonprofit, sales, or marketing roles.
  • Experience in project management with a track record of successful events.
  • Stewardship and relationship management skills with meticulous follow-through and presentation skills.
  • Ability to conduct two-hour walking donor tours of operation.
  • Possess excellent time management skills, be highly organized and the ability to multi-task.
  • Proficient in the use of personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
  • Ability to effectively communicate St. Mary’s mission, strategic plan and goals, and case for philanthropic support.
  • Availability to work occasional evenings and Saturdays.

St. Mary’s offers a generous compensation package which includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, PTO, employer paid life insurance and more. This is your chance to make a difference. Join our Mission to alleviate hunger.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and salary requirements to: https://jobs.firstfoodbank.org/

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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