Manager, Stewardship and Engagement

United Way of Summit & Medina is dedicated to transforming our community, building fulfilling, healthy lives for children and families.

Position: Manager, Stewardship and Engagement

Location: Akron, OH

Job : 422

Number of Openings: 1

The Manager, Stewardship and Engagement leads the strategy and execution of volunteer engagement and donor stewardship to drive revenue and deepen community impact. This role develops and executes the day‑to‑day volunteer engagement strategy, supports the marketing and fund development teams in executing any fundraising events, and fosters donor relationships through thoughtful stewardship, meaningful engagement experiences, and personalized communications aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.

• Build and manage a year‑round volunteer engagement strategy including opportunities, communications, and feedback loops.
• Build and manage a year‑round stewardship plan including a calendar of communications, stewardship materials, and newsletter content.
• Cultivate individual, corporate, and community partnerships through volunteerism.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, experience, and recognition.
• Align volunteer opportunities with organizational priorities and goals.
• Strengthen the volunteer‑to‑donor pipeline through integrated engagement strategies.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and accurate tracking of registrations, sponsor ships, and donations.
• Lead planning and execution of fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Develop strategies to increase revenue, participation, and donor retention.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, logistics, and performance metrics.
• Integrate sponsorship and volunteer components into event strategies.

• Support development and execution of a comprehensive stewardship plan for major and Tocqueville‑level donors.
• Write and manage personalized donor communications, including thank‑you letters and acknowledgments.
• Develop and distribute targeted, segmented communications for email and print channels.
• Produce donor‑focused content that reflects organizational voice and mission.
• Coordinate existing donor engagement opportunities, including events, briefings, and recognition efforts.
• Manage invitations, RSVPs, and support follow‑up communications in partnership with campaign managers.
• Deliver a high‑touch, concierge‑level experience for top‑tier donors.
• Track engagement activities and identify opportunities to strengthen donor relationships.
• Collaborate with development staff to support donor cultivation through events and volunteer experiences.
• Support Fund Development Managers with coordination on new business opportunities and donor engagement efforts.
• Assist with donor and company research, briefing materials, and communication strategies.
• Help manage outreach tracking and follow‑up actions for prospective opportunities.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to donor inquiries while maintaining clear ownership by relationship managers.

• Collaborate with Data Analyst to review donor engagement metrics and translate data insights into actionable strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve stewardship processes and communication workflows.
• Conduct trend research.

• Represent the organization at community and volunteer events, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Provide on‑site event support and related administrative coordination.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Experience working with major donors or giving societies.
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, communications, fundraising, events, or partnerships.
• Strong project management and relationship‑building skills.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with attention to tone and personalization.
• Experience managing email campaigns and newsletters (e.g., CRM platforms, Mailchimp).
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling donor information.

• Strategic and results‑driven.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Relationship‑oriented with a donor‑first mindset.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Collaborative and adaptable.
• Self‑directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with execution.

• Ability to pass pre‑employment testing including background check, drug and alcohol screen.
• Valid driver license and proof of insurance; access to a reliable insured automobile for work‑related travel in Summit & Medina County area.
• Less than 15% travel.

• 20 days of PTO + Holidays.
• Remote time bank of 65 days.
• Recovery Friendly Workplace.

United Way of Summit & Medina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.