Donor Relations Specialist

Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives; on average, over 99% of young adults (aged 17‑26) entering Hopeworks are unemployed, making less than $400 annually. Young adults completing the Hopeworks program make, on average, over $46,000 annually, with an almost 90% 12‑month retention rate in their jobs. That is the Hopeworks difference. Our unique trauma‑informed approach, combined with high‑demand, high‑wage technical training and paid work experience in Web Design, GIS and RCM helps young adults not only get the job, but keep it, transforming their lives and the lives of their families.

The Donor Engagement Specialist is a key member of the Development team who helps bring Hopeworks’ individual giving efforts to life. Working closely with the Senior Director of Development, this role contributes to the ideation, writing, and execution of donor engagement and annual giving strategies that cultivate, solicit, and steward supporters. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, detail‑oriented communicator who enjoys brainstorming ideas, translating data into action, and connecting donors to mission‑driven impact.

• Develop and execute a multi‑channel fundraising program through print, email, and social media to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Hopeworks’ digital fundraising partner, managing timelines, deliverables, campaign calendars, and performance reporting.
• Draft donor‑facing copy for appeals, stewardship, and campaigns.
• Create segmented donor lists based on giving history, engagement level, and affinity.
• Collaborate with the Program team for compelling donor‑focused content and storytelling.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Development to test messaging, subject lines, visuals, and calls‑to‑action to improve donor response and retention.
• Analyze appeal performance (response rates, conversion, retention) and recommend improvements to campaign strategy.
• Identify trends and opportunities within donor data to strengthen retention and upgrade pathways.
• Work with vendors to design, produce, and execute all individual giving campaigns (print/digital) and ensure a seamless donor experience.

• Support the development and implementation of a donor communications strategy, including thank‑you processes and impact reporting.
• Cultivate and steward annual fund (under $1,000), monthly donors, and new donors through personal outreach, targeted communications, and creative engagement strategies.
• Support donor recognition efforts through a variety of channels, including digital platforms, printed materials, and donor programs.
• Create and implement a monthly donor stewardship plan.
• Develop and manage the new donor welcome series, ensuring new supporters receive timely, engaging email communications that introduce them to the mission and deepen their connection.

• Handle gift processing, pledge tracking, and donor acknowledgements with high accuracy and timeliness.
• Provide the Development team with donor insights and stewardship reports.
• Maintain accurate donor records and gift tracking in CRM/database (e.g., Salesforce, Classy) and report on key fundraising program metrics.
• Collaborate with finance to reconcile donor records and receivables.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot integrations with platforms such as Classy, Double the Donation, Mail Chimp, and other fundraising platforms.

• Serve as the point of contact for state registrations with our third‑party vendor.
• Support major gifts prospecting work in collaboration with the internal team, committees, and our external consultants to identify, research, qualify, and help Hopeworks’ leadership build relationships with new mid‑level and major gift donors and current donors who have the capacity to upgrade their gifts.
• Work closely with the Development team on integrated fundraising strategies, including supporting volunteer engagements and events.
• Provide logistical and planning support for…