Development & Donor Engagement Manager

SAFEchild is seeking an organized, relationship-focused professional to help turn fundraising strategy into thoughtful campaigns, meaningful donor experiences, and exceptionally executed events. The Development & Donor Engagement Manager works closely with the Development Director to engage supporters, strengthen donor relationships, and keep complex fundraising initiatives moving from planning through follow-up.

This is a donor-facing position for someone who enjoys connecting with people, managing many moving pieces, and taking ownership of important work. The right person is proactive, combines creativity with strong follow-through, and believes that successful fundraising begins with people and relationships.

SAFEchild is Wake County's only organization providing a full continuum of child abuse prevention and intervention services at no cost to families. Our team works alongside children, parents, schools, law enforcement, medical professionals, and community partners to help create safer, healthier childhoods.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Provide thoughtful, consistent stewardship to annual donors, sustainers, Corporate Partners, event supporters, volunteers, and other identified constituencies.
• Coordinate donor visits, tours, cultivation opportunities, appreciation activities, and personalized follow-up.
• Lead relational follow-up with donors who may be ready to renew, re-engage, or deepen their connection to SAFEchild.
• Recognize promising donor relationships and bring them forward for intentional cultivation with the Development Director.

Annual Giving and Fundraising Campaigns

• Manage the planning and execution of SAFEchild's annual giving campaigns within the strategy established with the Development Director.
• Turn fundraising priorities into clear campaign plans, timelines, assignments, donor engagement activities, and follow-up.
• Coordinate Board and volunteer participation and keep campaign deadlines, communications, and stewardship moving forward.
• Monitor progress, communicate challenges and opportunities, and help evaluate results.

Fundraising Events and Donor Experiences

• Lead the planning and execution of SAFEchild's Annual Gala, Corporate Partner Event, and other donor cultivation and appreciation experiences.
• Manage event timelines, vendors, budgets, committees, volunteers, auction activities, sponsor fulfillment, guest experience, program logistics, and run of show.
• Ensure every event has a clear purpose, audience, engagement plan, and follow-up strategy.

Corporate and Community Engagement

• Coordinate Corporate Partner onboarding, recognition, benefits, employee engagement opportunities, ongoing touchpoints, and renewal activities.
• Build relationships with volunteers and community supporters connected to Development initiatives.
• Represent SAFEchild at donor, corporate, volunteer, and community events as appropriate.

Required

• Three or more years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience independently managing fundraising campaigns, significant events, or complex donor engagement initiatives from planning through execution and follow-up
• Experience communicating directly and professionally with donors, sponsors, volunteers, clients, or community partners
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, vendors, volunteers, committees, and stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to collaboration
• Experience using a database or CRM to document relationships, activities, and next steps

Preferred

• Five or more years of nonprofit development or fundraising experience
• Experience planning and executing a significant fundraising event
• Experience with annual giving campaigns, donor stewardship, corporate partnerships, or sponsorship fulfillment
• Familiarity with Salesforce, OneCause, or similar fundraising platforms
• Experience working in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment

We value relevant experience, demonstrated skills, and professional judgment. A specific degree is not required.

• Donors and supporters receive thoughtful engagement throughout the year and feel valued and connected to SAFEchild.
• Fundraising campaigns and events move from strategy to execution without requiring day-to-day management by the Development Director.
• Corporate Partners receive consistent stewardship and meaningful opportunities to engage.
• Projects are organized, deadlines are met, and colleagues understand responsibilities and next steps.

• This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, exempt position. SAFEchild's hybrid work policy currently calls for full-time staff to work onsite at least three days per week, including Wednesday community days.
• Some evening and weekend availability is required for the Annual Gala, the Corporate Partner Event, and other donor engagement activities.
• The role requires regular local travel for donor visits, meetings, and events using a personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursed.
• The role occasionally involves moving event materials weighing up to 25 pounds and moving about event venues for extended periods.

Offers of employment are contingent on clear results of a background check, which includes Social Security verification, prior employment verification, reference checks, education verification, and a criminal history and sex offender registry check. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate; SAFEchild considers the nature of the offense, its relationship to the position, and the time since the conviction, and follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

All new employees must complete Form I-9 and provide documentation of authorization to work in the United States. SAFEchild is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

SAFEchild is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from historically marginalized communities to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

SAFEchild will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Employment with SAFEchild is at will. This posting describes the general nature of the position and is not an employment contract.