Remote, Louisiana

Donor Relations Officer, Foundation for Louisiana

The Organization

Foundation for Louisiana (FFL) is a social justice philanthropic intermediary founded in 2005 as the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation to invest in the immediate recovery of Louisiana’s communities after Hurricane Katrina. While FFL was founded in the wake of hurricane Katrina, our founders recognized the need to address the longstanding inequities that have shaped life outcomes for the most marginalized of Louisianans. FFL’s work grew in response to these needs, and today FFL focuses on racial justice, climate justice, criminal justice reform, economic justice, gender justice, and support for Louisiana’s vibrant arts and culture via a three-pronged strategy:

  • Invest: FFL makes grants and loans to support organizations and movements throughout Louisiana in our key program areas. We attract and invest resources to support on-the-ground projects, many of which can’t access traditional philanthropy. Through fiscal sponsorship, Foundation for Louisiana also supports innovative ideas responding to unmet needs throughout Louisiana.
  • Build: We build power to effect change in Louisiana communities. Our leadership programs convene community leaders and provide training in organizing, policy change, leadership, public speaking, and facilitation to tackle issues of climate change, police accountability, health disparities, housing access, and more.
  • Transform: By fortifying movements, we shift systems and shape regional and national narratives. We re-imagine how our communities are governed and funded in order to redefine how residents are able to thrive in them.

Since inception, FFL has invested $55 million in more than 250 equity-centered nonprofit organizations working across the state toward building a more just Louisiana. As a social justice philanthropic intermediary, FFL’s work unapologetically advances racial justice while moving Louisiana forward. FFL engages communities in both program co-design as well as its grant-making process, in order to expand opportunities and move communities toward a more just future.

Position Overview

Foundation for Louisiana is looking for a dynamic and driven fundraising professional to join our team as Donor Relations Officer. The DRO will help FFL donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with our organization. This charismatic individual will develop and cultivate FFL’s portfolio of individual donors, managing and cultivating relationships with existing donor prospects, as well as identifying new prospects, while working to increase donor retention and giving levels. We are looking for a candidate who brings relevant skills and interest to the role, maturity and ownership of their work, and is looking for an opportunity to seize a career-enhancing opportunity in a fast-paced, growing organization working towards justice in Louisiana. Reporting to the Vice President of Development and working closely with senior staff and other key stakeholders, the Donor Relations Officer will play an important role in driving FFL towards its $12M goal this year and its ambitious growth ahead.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a summary of the duties required:

  • Design and implement an integrated individual donor program; grow and manage a portfolio of donors, from monthly donors to major donors.
  • Work with board members and senior leadership team to identify new prospective donors to cultivate, solicit, and steward.
  • Cultivate existing individual donors and encourage renewal, retention, and increased support.
  • Make direct solicitations through phone/ video chat, personal visits, written proposals, appeal letters; assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
  • With team, develop solicitation strategies for donors / prospects in support of the organization’s general operations, programs, and for specific giving campaigns; ensure strategies are compatible and maximize opportunities with other existing organization wide initiatives.
  • Collaborate with manager and team on projections, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
  • Manage ongoing donor acknowledgment, appreciation, and recognition consistent with gift level.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of major programmatic initiatives.
  • Manage the creation and production of solicitation materials, including (but not limited to) letters, emails, and more.
  • Use development software, currently Salesforce, for donor management and to track cultivation progress, progress toward overall goals, and to keep other staff informed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

In addition to having deep knowledge of Louisiana, and respect for its people,

You Are:

  • An experienced fundraiser with a track record of managing individual donor programs and securing major gifts. You have the knowledge and ability to implement and manage a comprehensive donor program, including a robust acknowledgment and recognition plan. You know how to engage a variety of donor audiences and tailor messages to align with a variety of giving priorities.
  • A skilled project manager – You know how to lead and implement a project from visioning to execution. You have experience in planning and implementing giving campaigns. You have the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with peers in joint and shared efforts.
  • An excellent relationship builder and cultivator – You know how to network, forge connections, and work a room. You can inspire generosity and motivate donors. When necessary, you can represent FFL independently to potential donors and make compelling presentations and requests for support.
  • An accountable team player who can work effectively and flexibly to produce high quality work products in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. You practice strong organizational skills when faced with multiple time-sensitive priorities. You can receive and integrate constructive critiques and feedback into your work.

You Have:

  • Five+ years of successful fundraising experience in individual and major gifts.
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and passion for revenue generation.
  • Experience that demonstrates a commitment to anti-oppression values.
  • Exceptionally detail-oriented written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate the ability to write clear and compelling content for donor audiences.
  • Competency in systems management; experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).

Compensation

  • $70,000 – 80,000 annually plus a generous benefits and PTO package, including:
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums
  • Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
  • and a 403(b) retirement employer match

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@foundationforlouisiana.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a priority date of January 3, 2023.  No calls, please.

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Foundation for Louisiana follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, criminal justice background and marital status.

This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, grantees, board members and dealings with the general public.

For more information about Foundation for Louisiana visit our website at www.foundationforlouisiana.org

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