Donor Communications Manager - Riley Children's Foundation : Job Details

Position Purpose

• Reporting to the Director, Donor Engagement, the Donor Communications Manager leads the development of highly tailored communication assets for top-level donors and donor prospects, with an emphasis on tools such as proposals, case statements, talking points, and pre-proposal communications that are utilized by the Foundation development team in the cultivation and solicitation process. The manager is responsible for consulting with fundraising and Foundation leadership, individual development officers, and hospital partners to research and produce compelling fundraising proposals and other materials that align with campaign priorities and support the solicitation and closure of philanthropic gifts to Riley Children's Foundation. While this role is not focused on marketing, collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team is essential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Proposal Management and Writing

• Process Management: In collaboration with key Foundation team members and under the leadership of the Director, Donor Engagement, the Donor Communications Manager develops, maintains and implements the Foundation's proposal development process. This includes intake of proposal requests, coordination among necessary partners, writing, approvals, and maintaining a library of up-to-date materials that can be accessed and repurposed. The manager will maintain a vetted and approved menu of funding opportunities and follow a process for the approval of opportunities outside that menu. Grant proposals for foundation funding are not generally the responsibility of this position, though the Donor Communications Manager may provide occasional support.
• Proposal Writing: In coordination with gift officers, the Donor Communications Manager drafts funding proposals for high-priority individual and corporate prospects with a primary focus on proposals ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. The Manager gathers information about philanthropic opportunities and outcomes that align with each donor's interest and goals and synthesizes this into philanthropic requests that inspire meaningful commitments to Riley Children's Foundation. Assists in planning and preparing communications related to delivery of gift proposals, including correspondence, talking points, and presentations.

2. Donor-Focused Collateral

• In alignment with campaign priorities, the Donor Communications Manager serves as a primary contact for the development and production of pre-solicitation materials such as program-specific cases for support and background materials that are utilized by the Development team to successfully engage donors and move them toward the solicitation stage.

3. Other Communications

• Assist with producing engaging updates about Riley Children's Health and its programs across multiple media for key constituents, including the Riley Children's Foundation Board, Campaign Cabinet, philanthropy councils and other RCF advisory groups, and select donors.
• Support high-impact donor events and meetings by providing functional management and writing of well-researched talking points, briefing memos, runs-of-show, and scripting.
• Partner with designers or use pre-designed templates to ensure proposals adhere to Foundation brand standards and convey a professional look and feel. Gather materials including photography for proposal design.

4. Administrative

• Administrative: Maintain accountability to administrative systems and procedures including submitting expenses, credit card reconciliations, invoices, reports, RCF calendar additions, etc. by assigned deadlines.
• Meetings: Prepare for and actively participate in all Riley Children's Foundation meetings as appropriate.
• Budget: Work with your officer/direct manager to develop, manage and monitor the budget, staying within overall budget guidelines.
• Technology: Understand and effectively use all pertinent technologies available to you through Riley Children's Foundation.
• Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with all Foundation policies, as well as local, state and federal laws that govern business practices.

5. Other Duties as Assigned

• Riley Children's Foundation events: Participate in Riley Children's Foundation Events as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• Education: Bachelor's degree required in communication, marketing, journalism, English, philanthropy or related field. Advanced degree and/or field-specific certifications preferred.
• Experience: 5-7 years of relevant experience required. Experience as a major gift proposal writer preferred.
• Skills: Exceptional oral, written and proofreading skills, with an emphasis on persuasive writing that inspires others to invest in a vision. Ability to work collaboratively amid changing circumstances and complex challenges, collegially with colleagues and external partners. Demonstrated history of gathering complex information and translating it into easy-to-understand, compelling communication. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion. Strong organizational and planning skills and attention to detail. Experience following brand, style and visual identity guidelines. Understanding of major gift fundraising best practices and fundraising in general. Proficient with Microsoft Word and other standard office programs. Proficiency with Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and InDesign, preferred.
• Qualities: Personal belief in Riley Children's Foundation vision, mission, values and strategic direction. Results oriented. Creative and resourceful. Self-motivating and self-starting. Team player. Must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Professional demeanor.