Donor Engagement Manager

Position Summary:

The Donor Engagement Manager focuses on cultivating relationship pipelines for entry- to mid-level donors (typically gifts under $2,500). You will lead strategies to recruit new supporters, increase current gift sizes, and scale our recurring monthly giving program. This position reports to the Donor Engagement Director and works in-person at The River, in the community, and at events.

• Build and execute the annual giving strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director and Donor Engagement Director.
• Design, launch and execute a new donor acquisition strategy.
• Identify and cultivate mid-level, sustaining donors with tailored engagement plans.
• Oversee and manage the recurring giving program.
• Steward donors giving $250-$2,500.

• Manage mid-level donors and prospects by building relationships through meetings, emails, phone calls, events, and direct mail, including making fundraising asks in donor meetings and calls.

• Assist in preparing written content for fundraising emails, direct mail appeals, and other donor and prospect communications.
• Partner with the communications team on event promotion across email, social media, and press.

• Track donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade metrics.
• Analyze donor data for ROI on specific campaigns.
• Coordinate with Accounting and Development Coordinator to manage all tasks, interactions, and acknowledgement for assigned donors.
• Serve as The River’s point of contact for third-party events and coordinate volunteers or other organizational resources as needed.
• Assist in planning and execution of The River’s fundraising and engagement events, including our signature events.
• Assist in securing event sponsors and manage sponsor fulfillment.

• Conduct donor tours at The River Food Pantry.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including colleagues and volunteers, on fundraising initiatives.

• 3+ years of fundraising or signature events experience is required
• Annual giving experience required
• Previous experience with CRM is preferred
• Multilingual is preferred
• Commitment and passion for The River’s mission, vision and goals
• Demonstrated strong project management skills
• Demonstrated excellent communication and organizational skills
• Initiative to continue learning and be solutions focused
• Ability to work in-person on site, in the community, and at events with the ability to work some nights and weekends
• Ability to communicate information clearly and understandably through interactions with donors, staff, and volunteers
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
• Ability to work with a broad group of people
• Strategic minded while executing against developed strategies
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Background and DMV check are required

It’s an exciting time at The River Food Pantry in Madison, WI.Following a successful $12,000,000 campaign, The River opened our new facility in February and now we are building a best-in-class development team to fuel our next chapter of impact. Our Donor Engagement Manager role is more than a fundraising position—it is an opportunity to join an extraordinary community, build meaningful relationships, inspire generosity, and directly support individuals and families facing food insecurity.

We are seeking top-tier talent who care deeply about people, believe in the power of community, and are motivated by the opportunity to connect generous donors with life-changing work. Every conversation, every campaign, and every gift helps ensure that our neighbors have access to food, dignity, and hope.

We are seeking a data-driven storyteller to fill the role of Donor Engagement Manager. If you are driven, relational, strategic, and passionate about making a measurable difference, we invite you to join us.

In exchange for your talents, we offer a pay range of $60,000 – $75,000 based on experience. The River offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, disability insurance, employee assistance plan, Simple IRA with match, paid holidays, and paid time off. We work collaboratively to serve our clients and move towards our vision of a fully nourished community.

The River Food Pantry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The River is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state, and local law.