Donor Relations Specialist

Maryland SPCA Job Description Job Title

Donor Relations Specialist

Development Operations Manager

$40,000-$48,000

Exempt

Standard office hours Monday through Friday, occasional nights/weekends for special events

7/31/2026

The donor relations specialist plays a critical role in building relationships with the Maryland SPCA’s supporters. They ensure that each gift is appropriately acknowledged and that donors and sponsors receive recognition connected with their gifts. In addition to executing weekly, monthly, and annual projects, the donor relations specialist focuses on new and creative ways to thank donors and help them learn more about our work.

As a member of the development operations team, they work collaboratively with fundraisers to help meet annual goals and help track and analyze which actions are most effective to increase giving. Over the next five years, the Donor Relations Specialist will also work with the Capital Campaign Manager to develop systems for managing pledges and fulfilling recognition with plaques and other signage throughout the new construction.

• Prepare donor acknowledgement letters for gifts of $250+ on a weekly basis.
• Draft annual impact statements for members of the Board of Directors and support the executive director to schedule and manage Board activities.
• Assist fundraisers to ensure event sponsors receive their benefits in a timely manner.
• Work with the marketing/communications team on newsletters and annual reports to spotlight and thank donors.
• Maintain an inventory of recognition opportunities. When plaques, pavers, and other signage is called for, work with the fundraiser and donor to ensure language is reviewed and approved and collaborate with marketing/communications and facilities teams on design, production and installation.
• Help identify candidates for and facilitate selection of annual William Woodward award honorees.
• Identify new opportunities to demonstrate and celebrate a donor’s impact, which can include in-person and virtual experiences.

• Generate a weekly gift report for the development team and executive director. Highlight donors that might need special attention.
• Collaborate with the fundraisers to build and execute donor communications and experiences (journeys) and measure their effectiveness.
• Prepare and deliver quarterly and annual pledge reminders, tracking pledge completion with the fundraisers and finance team.
• Assist with gift processing in CRM during peak season.
• Documentation of information in CRM.
• Support overall development goals, campaigns, and events as needed.

• One-two years in a professional working environment, development or marketing is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Comfortable engaging with donors on the telephone and in person
• Comfortable with working collaboratively in a team dynamic and independently
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish confidence with stakeholders
• Proficient to expert level use of Microsoft Office Suite
  - Word, Excel and Outlook

• Frequent sitting, with some standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Use of computer and office telephone
• Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs
• Ability to work in an office environment daily (on campus).
• The MD SPCA provides a shared office setting. Applicants should expect a moderate noise level and exposure to shelter pets. When working with shelter pets there is a risk of bite/scratch and exposure to high noise level, unpleasant odors, disinfecting solutions, and zoonotic disease. Required to attend occasional night and evening events, meetings, and/or trainings.