Donor Relations Manager

SUMMER SEARCH, NEW YORK CITY

At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

The Donor Relations Manager is a key member of the Summer Search NYC development team and plays an essential role in advancing the Summer Search NYC’s fundraising goals through relationship-based philanthropy, thoughtful donor engagement, and strong execution. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Donor Relations Manager will serve as a critical partner to the Senior Director by translating fundraising strategy into action, maintaining strong donor engagement practices, and ensuring consistent progress toward revenue goals.

This role is ideal for a fundraiser who enjoys building authentic relationships, managing a portfolio, driving projects forward, and contributing to the systems and practices needed to build a high-performing development function. This hire will join a collaborative and mission-driven team of 18 Summer Search NYC staff.

The Donor Relations Manager is a high impact role focused on managing a portfolio of individual donors and supporting the overall strategy and execution of the development function at Summer Search NYC. Specifically, the Donor Relations Manager will contribute in the following areas:

Portfolio Management:
Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with an annual goal of approximately $500k through thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects with a focus on increasing engagement and philanthropic investment.
• Build and maintain a qualified fundraising pipeline of approximately $500K.
• Develop and execute donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Partner with the Senior Director on major gift cultivation strategies and donor conversations.
• Maintain disciplined moves management practices, including tracking outreach, engagement, next steps, and relationship progress in the CRM.

Fundraising Strategies:
Support the execution of fundraising strategies and initiatives that advance annual revenue goals.

• Support annual giving strategies designed to engage and retain individual donors.
• Support major gift efforts through prospect research, donor preparation, cultivation activities, and follow-up.
• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual gala.
• Partner with the Senior Director to evaluate fundraising progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Board Engagement:
Support efforts to…