With the leadership, guidance, strategic direction and close working relationship with the Senior Director of Advancement, and the Chief Executive Officer, Equest seeks an experienced, highly motivated, goal-oriented fundraiser professional with the ability to cultivate donors, further leading to the closing of gifts. The Donor Relations Manager is responsible for the management of a well-coordinated, strategic plan to cultivate, secure and steward mid-level gift support from current and prospective individual donors. This position will work as a member of the Advancement team, working closely with the Senior Director of Advancement, helping to drive Equest’s efforts to secure annual operating and capital funding from an assigned portfolio, inclusive of individual and corporate prospects through strategic research, cultivation, proposal development, and stewardship activities targeted at these entities.

The Donor Relations Manager will ensure compliance with funding requirements established by donors of an assigned portfolio.

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Work directly with Senior Director of Advancement to leverage established relationships and to cultivate new development sources through networking and relationship-building.
• Assist the Senior Director of Advancement with major donor responsibilities (ex. Identifying and scheduling meetings with donors for major asks).
• Maintain a portfolio of current and prospective funders with an annual revenue target that supports the overall fundraising objective.
• Makes direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assists the board and other staff with their solicitations – effectively working to serve as a closer as appropriate.
• Prepare reports (both internal and external) as required by funders, at the request of Equest’s leadership, or in alignment with Equest’s reporting systems and revenue goals.
• Conduct stewardship and cultivation activities to build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with funders.
• Maintain timely and necessary database records, files, reports, and resource materials pertinent to government and foundation activities within Raiser’s Edge.
• Create and maintain systems that promote good working relationships with program staff to ensure clear and timely communication for grant proposal development and/or reporting requirements.
• Works closely with the Advancement Associate on stewardship plans for donors of assigned portfolio, including acknowledgement, both public and private.
• Plans, reviews, implements, and evaluates donor appeals to ensure retention/cultivation of current and new donors and cultivates gift-in-kind solicitations.
• Follows a structured approach to the steps of the donor cycle including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all donors.

General

• Upholds the vision, mission, and values of Equest.
• Adheres to all PATH International standards.
• Abides by all regulations, policies, and procedures of the City of Dallas, as they pertain to the Texas Horse Park.
• Attends all special events.
• Serves on committees as assigned.
• Attends staff meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will be very organized, analytical, solution oriented, self-motivated and possess the ability to work both independently and with a diverse and productive team, while displaying a positive attitude always. This person will be talented at building relationships, listening to donors and prospects and able to analyze the fundraising efforts.  Working with deadlines and under pressure, as well as adhering to confidentiality are vital.  Attention to detail is very important and a passion for excellence are necessary to fit into the Equest culture.

• A minimum of 5 years of nonprofit fundraising or sales experience, with a successful record of accomplishment in building donor relationships including closing gifts in the five and six-figure range.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or related field.
• Ability to write and present successful donor proposals.
• Possess the ability to build and maintain relationships efficiently. Exceptional interpersonal skills. Ability to interact comfortably with individuals at all levels.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both in writing and speaking.
• Comfort interacting with high net-worth individuals and families.
• Demonstrate flexibility in working together as a team member for the common goals of Equest, including tasks outside of this job description.
• Demonstrates adaptability to performing a variety of duties, occasionally changing from one task to another of a different nature with minimal loss of efficiency or composure.
• Keen attention to detail and strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to multitask and work within strict deadlines.General proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint), and donor data bases. Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge is a plus.