Donor Relations Manager

About the Organization

This role sits within a purpose-led organization that focuses on creating strong, transparent, and lasting connections with donors, supporters, and community partners. Its work spans fundraising, communications, programs, finance, marketing, community engagement, and executive leadership, all aimed at building trust and increasing philanthropic support.

Role Overview

The organization is looking for an experienced Donor Relations Manager to shape and run donor engagement approaches that deepen relationships, improve donor retention, and expand long-term support. The position centers on stewardship, donor communications, relationship management, and engagement programs that connect contributors with the impact of the organization’s work.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement donor relations strategies that support fundraising goals, the organization’s mission, and broader engagement objectives.
• Develop and nurture relationships with individual donors, corporate supporters, foundations, major contributors, and other important stakeholders.
• Create and oversee stewardship initiatives such as tailored communications, recognition efforts, impact updates, donor events, and engagement campaigns.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, marketing, finance, programs, and executive teams to improve donor experience and retention.
• Track performance measures such as donor retention, engagement, recurring donations, campaign results, lifetime donor value, and stewardship outcomes.
• Manage donor communication efforts including newsletters, impact reports, thank-you notes, invitations, updates, and personalized outreach.
• Keep donor databases current with relationship history, preferences, engagement records, and contribution details.
• Support fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation efforts, major gift activity, events, and community engagement programs.
• Review donor behavior, giving trends, and feedback to identify ways to improve donor experience and increase support.
• Ensure adherence to donor privacy rules, ethical fundraising practices, internal policies, and reporting obligations.
• Use CRM tools, donor management systems, email platforms, Microsoft Office, Power BI, analytics tools, and reporting systems to manage relationships and measure results.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, fundraising insights, impact summaries, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Lead, coach, and support donor relations and fundraising staff while promoting trust, empathy, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, Fundraising, or a similar field is preferred.
• A master’s degree or professional certification in Fundraising, Philanthropy, Donor Relations, Nonprofit Leadership, or an equivalent area is an advantage.
• At least 5 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, philanthropy, nonprofit management, customer relationship management, or stakeholder engagement.
• At least 2 years of experience leading donor programs, fundraising initiatives, or relationship management teams is preferred.
• Strong understanding of donor stewardship, fundraising practices, relationship management, nonprofit operations, stakeholder engagement, and community development.
• Hands-on experience with donor systems, CRM platforms, email marketing tools, Microsoft Office, Power BI, analytics tools, and reporting platforms.
• Exposure to major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, digital fundraising, donor analytics, and engagement automation is beneficial.
• Well-developed relationship-building, communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong presentation, storytelling, stakeholder management, empathy, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to earn donor trust while maintaining transparency, professionalism, and a focus on organizational impact.
• Comfortable working independently in remote or hybrid work settings.

What We Offer

• A flexible remote or hybrid working arrangement within the United Arab Emirates.
• A competitive compensation package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development in the nonprofit sector.
• Exposure to fundraising innovation, donor engagement strategy, digital philanthropy, and community impact work.
• A collaborative, purpose-driven workplace.
• A supportive environment built on trust, transparency, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• The chance to strengthen donor relationships and contribute to meaningful organizational outcomes.
• Clear progression opportunities across donor relations, fundraising leadership, nonprofit management, stakeholder engagement, and executive roles.

Additional Information

This is a full-time remote role based in the United Arab Emirates, offered at a mid-level to senior-level scope. The position includes both remote and hybrid flexibility.