Donor Engagement Manager

Job Title: Donor Engagement Manager
Ministry: Marygrove and Good Shepherd Children & Family Services
Reports To: Senior Director of Philanthropy of Marygrove and Good Shepherd
Date: March 12, 2026

Our Mission

To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.

Position Summary

The Donor Engagement Manager supports the fundraising efforts of both Marygrove and Good Shepherd Children & Family Services, two ministries of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, through a shared philanthropy structure. This role is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of mid-level donors, implementing strategies that strengthen donor acquisition, retention, and long-term engagement. In partnership with the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Donor Engagement Manager also supports the cultivation and stewardship of major donors, helping advance relationships and move supporters through the giving pipeline

The Donor Engagement Manager advances donor stewardship efforts and cultivates relationships with individuals, corporations, parishes, foundations, and community partners. Responsibilities include coordinating on-site tours and personalized engagement experiences that demonstrate program impact and strengthen connections between supporters and the youth and families served.

This position plays a key role in supporting fundraising events and community engagement initiatives. This includes cultivating and stewarding event sponsors, donors, and committee members, facilitating donor engagement opportunities, and representing both ministries at public and community events. The Donor Engagement Manager works closely with event leadership and volunteer committees to enhance donor engagement, strengthen relationships, and support solicitation efforts.

The individual in this role must demonstrate strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders effectively. This role requires initiative, sound judgement, flexibility, professionalism, and a collaborative approach, as well as a genuine passion for the missions of Marygrove and Good Shepherd.

Overview of Responsibilities

Mid-Level & Major Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts through personalized communication, meetings, and engagement experiences.
• Support the cultivation and stewardship of major donors in partnership with the Senior Director of Philanthropy, assisting with strategic outreach, relationship-building, and donor engagement opportunities.
• Assist with donor engagement and gift cultivation that directly supports the annual #Safe4ANight campaign, securing matching gifts and early commitments from mid-level and major donors and coordinating campaign-day activities.
• Manage third-party fundraising relationships, including key partners like Keeley Cares, to support Good Shepherd’s Dodgeball Tournament and ensure alignment with mission goals.
• Track all donor interactions in Raiser’s Edge and prepare reports to assess portfolio performance and identify growth opportunities.

Fundraising Events

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events, including Good Shepherd’s Golf Tournament, as well as Marygrove’s Bloom, Rising Stars, and Golf Tournament.
• Facilitate and engage event committees to enhance collaboration and event outcomes.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects and sponsors for monetary contributions.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individuals, corporate and civil organizations, parish groups, foundations, and community stakeholders.
• Plan and facilitate Sip & Learn and other donor engagement opportunities to connect supporters with programs, coworkers, and youth across both ministries.
• Represent both ministries at community events and speaking engagements to inspire support and deepen connections with key audiences.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide support for accurate and timely data management in Raiser’s Edge.
• Support stewardship efforts including customized thank-you touchpoints and impact reporting.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Philanthropy to ensure the effectiveness of the philanthropy department.

Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as business, communications, nonprofit management, public relations) required; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in philanthropy, donor relations, or related area.
• Experience working in a mission-driven environment is a plus.

Skill Requirements

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and the ability to tailor messaging for various audiences.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in carrying out tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort using electronic communication tools, including email and internet-based applications.
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems required; Raiser’s Edge experience strongly preferred.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Professional, approachable, adaptable, and self-motivated.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends during peak events or campaign periods.
• Completion of Safe Environment Training – Protecting God’s Children, as required by the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
• Genuine commitment to the missions of Marygrove and Good Shepherd Children & Family Services and an understanding of the broader mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Resources for which accountable

• Mid-level and major donor portfolios
• Donor stewardship and engagement activities
• Confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive donor and organizational information.
• Project timelines, tools, and workflows to ensure timely and strategic execution.

Incumbent’s public positions and values must be in full agreement with those of Catholic Charities and the teachings of the Catholic Church.