Donor Relations Manager

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New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, making every acre of preserved land a vital victory for our environment and our communities. At The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, we don’t just see open space; we see the future of our state’s water, wildlife, and natural heritage.

We are looking for a Donor Relations Manager who understands that fundraising is the engine of conservation. You won’t just manage a portfolio; you will be the bridge between passionate conservationists and the permanent protection of New Jersey’s natural beauty.

 

As a key member of our Development & Communications team, you will drive the growth of our Leadership Circle—the dedicated individuals giving between $1,000 and $20,000. This is a high-impact role designed for a relationship-builder who thrives on connecting a donor’s personal legacy to tangible land preservation projects. You will join a high-performing, collaborative team where your work results in the permanent protection of the landscapes we call home.

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Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Communications, the Donor Relations Manager is the strategic lead for our mid-to-major gift pipeline. You will be responsible for designing and implementing a multi-faceted donor journey—from initial research and acquisition to long-term stewardship and planned giving.

 

This role is perfect for a professional who balances people skills with a data-driven approach. You will move seamlessly between solicitations in the field and moves management within our database to ensure no opportunity for impact is missed. Your goal is simple but profound: to grow our membership base and elevate the giving capacity of those who believe in our mission.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the strategy for a portfolio of donors giving $1,000–$20,000, focusing on moves management, retention, and significant upgrades.

• Relationship Building: Act as a primary ambassador, conducting face-to-face meetings, site tours, and personalized outreach to deepen donor commitment.

• Strategic Growth: Research, qualify, and engage new prospects to build a healthy pipeline of major donors for the organization's future growth and planned giving programs.

• Collaborative Leadership: Work closely with the President and VP of Development to support their high-level solicitations and ensure a seamless experience for our most generous supporters.

• Data-Driven Stewardship: Maintain impeccable records in DonorPerfect, using data to track progress against benchmarks and report on portfolio health.

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Qualifications

• Experience: At least 3 years in fundraising, with a proven track record in donor cultivation or gift solicitation.

• Analytical Mindset: Demonstrated ability to use data to inform strategy and track results.

• Self-Starter: A proactive professional who enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives independently.

• Outgoing individual with exceptional interpersonal and storytelling skills; ability to articulate the "why" of conservation to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with DonorPerfect and GiveCloud is a significant plus.

• Values: A deep-seated passion for environmental conservation and land protection.

 

Why Join Us?

When you work at The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, you are joining a national leader in land preservation. As the first accredited land trust in the state and winner of the 2024 National Land Trust Excellence Award, we offer an environment where your fundraising expertise translates directly into preserved acres. We support our staff with a comprehensive benefits package—including a starting salary of $60,000, a 3% Simple IRA match, medical insurance, and generous paid time off—and a hybrid work environment with flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance. We invest in our people, including paid opportunities to attend the national Land Rally Conference. This is an opportunity to do work that matters for New Jersey families today and for generations to come.

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How to Apply

This position is open immediately with a target start date of Monday, March 2. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please send a cover letter and resume in a single PDF document to hr@tlc-nj.org with the subject line: Donor Relations Manager – [Your Name].