Covenant House California
Donor Research and Engagement Specialist (Full-Time)
Covenant House California, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Job Description: Donor Research and Engagement Specialist
Covenant House California (CHC) has experienced tremendous growth during the past seven years and has invested in increasing agency infrastructure and expanding services for youth across California. The agency has created the Donor Research and Engagement Specialist position to enhance the Development efforts that support CHC's mission. This position will support the sustainability of the agency for future growth, innovation, and program enhancement that will continue to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking in CA. CHC is committed to meeting young people where they are, accepting them for who they are, relentlessly engaging them, so that they can fulfill their dreams.
POSITION SUMMARY: We are looking for people who, like us, believe that every young person deserves a place to belong. We think it takes all kinds of people to create diverse solutions to end youth homelessness and we are on a committed journey to build an inclusive and equitable work culture that brings out the best in everyone. The young people who rely on our mission often face racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. A better future for underserved youth means a better future for us all. Together, we build dreams, solve problems, and seize opportunities that help young people move forward. If this interests you, please continue reading.
The Donor Research and Engagement Specialist is responsible for implementing and overseeing donor acquisition, research, qualification and engagement activities that support the agency's development goals. The focus of this position is to build a robust pipeline of new prospects for major donor cultivation, increase the organization's capacity to identify and engage high-potential donors, and streamline the transition of qualified prospects to major donor stewardship. This role requires a motivated, detail-oriented individual skilled in fundraising, prospect research, and donor stewardship. The Specialist will work closely with the CDO to ensure strategic alignment and effective engagement with the agency's supporters, helping to expand the donor base and secure essential funding.
CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt, hourly full-time 40 hours per week
SALARY : $40 / hour
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Conduct thorough prospect research to identify potential new donors and partnerships who align with the organization's mission and capacity for major giving, leveraging databases and other research tools. 2. Maintain a pipeline of prospective donors, focusing on relationship building to enhance donor retention and support. 3. Prepare detailed donor profiles, briefings, and recognition plans to support cultivation and solicitation efforts in partnership with the DOD, Major Gift Officer and CDO. 4. Track donor engagement metrics and recommend next steps for cultivation or stewardship to convert prospects into long-term supporters. 5. Assist in planning and executing donor engagement events, such as appreciation receptions, intimate dinners, tours and informational sessions. 6. Support virtual and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, enhancing donor participation and involvement. 7. In line with CHC's strategic plans, implement and execute varied activities in service of the agency's funding goals. Work to promote program objectives (as determined by CHC Executive Staff) and overall mission of the agency. 8. Initiate and nurture relationships with donors during the qualification phase to build trust and affinity for the organization, and hand off qualified prospects to the Major Gifts team with a clear summary of interests and suggested next steps. 9. Stay up to date on CHC's services, programs and strategic initiatives-building narratives to educate and excite supporters. Stay well informed on all current events related to CHC's work and maintain subject matter knowledge. Work strategically alongside Programs and Community Involvement teams to elevate agency narratives among donors and deepen donor engagement-increasing gifts over time and identifying additional opportunities for funding. 10. Assemble promotional and informational materials for use in engagement activities. 11. Uphold meticulous attention to donor database and record keeping. All prospect/funder contacts, visits and gifts will be annotated in the Raiser's Edge database within a week of each activity or occurrence. 12. Stay updated on trends in philanthropy, including emerging donor demographics and giving patterns, to refine prospecting strategies. 13. Join the Development weekly team meetings, to report and be part of the team's activities and planning. 14. Provide weekly reports to the CDO on donor engagement activities, outcomes, and strategies.
15. In addition to the primary duties and responsibilities listed above, performs other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION : Bachelor's degree preferred (equivalent experience considered).
EXPERIENCE : Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or prospect research roles. Experience working with CRM and marketing systems such as Donor Drive, Raiser's Edge, and Canva preferred.
SKILLS : Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills and the ability to shift priorities as needed. Confidentiality, strong personal and professional integrity, team-building skills, tactfulness and good judgment are critical. The ideal candidate would have a self-motivated, joyful spirit and the ability to work independently to achieve benchmarks. They will be highly organized, be able to multitask and have the ability to incorporate feedback from a variety of team members.
Must be proficient in computer software programs (Microsoft related); ability to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines; possess strong attention to detail and relationship management skills. A knowledge of and deep empathy for homelessness and youth development issues.
TRANSPORTATION : Must have a valid driver license and a good driving record.
WORKING CONDITIONS : Office environment with travel to CHC Campus locations as needed. Some weekend/holiday/evening work may be required. This position is hybrid and can either be based in Northern California or Southern California.
EQUIPMENT USED : CHC issued Computer, telephone and other equipment as required.
Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Covenant House California (CHC) has experienced tremendous growth during the past seven years and has invested in increasing agency infrastructure and expanding services for youth across California. The agency has created the Donor Research and Engagement Specialist position to enhance the Development efforts that support CHC's mission. This position will support the sustainability of the agency for future growth, innovation, and program enhancement that will continue to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking in CA. CHC is committed to meeting young people where they are, accepting them for who they are, relentlessly engaging them, so that they can fulfill their dreams.
POSITION SUMMARY: We are looking for people who, like us, believe that every young person deserves a place to belong. We think it takes all kinds of people to create diverse solutions to end youth homelessness and we are on a committed journey to build an inclusive and equitable work culture that brings out the best in everyone. The young people who rely on our mission often face racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. A better future for underserved youth means a better future for us all. Together, we build dreams, solve problems, and seize opportunities that help young people move forward. If this interests you, please continue reading.
The Donor Research and Engagement Specialist is responsible for implementing and overseeing donor acquisition, research, qualification and engagement activities that support the agency's development goals. The focus of this position is to build a robust pipeline of new prospects for major donor cultivation, increase the organization's capacity to identify and engage high-potential donors, and streamline the transition of qualified prospects to major donor stewardship. This role requires a motivated, detail-oriented individual skilled in fundraising, prospect research, and donor stewardship. The Specialist will work closely with the CDO to ensure strategic alignment and effective engagement with the agency's supporters, helping to expand the donor base and secure essential funding.
CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt, hourly full-time 40 hours per week
SALARY : $40 / hour
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Conduct thorough prospect research to identify potential new donors and partnerships who align with the organization's mission and capacity for major giving, leveraging databases and other research tools. 2. Maintain a pipeline of prospective donors, focusing on relationship building to enhance donor retention and support. 3. Prepare detailed donor profiles, briefings, and recognition plans to support cultivation and solicitation efforts in partnership with the DOD, Major Gift Officer and CDO. 4. Track donor engagement metrics and recommend next steps for cultivation or stewardship to convert prospects into long-term supporters. 5. Assist in planning and executing donor engagement events, such as appreciation receptions, intimate dinners, tours and informational sessions. 6. Support virtual and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, enhancing donor participation and involvement. 7. In line with CHC's strategic plans, implement and execute varied activities in service of the agency's funding goals. Work to promote program objectives (as determined by CHC Executive Staff) and overall mission of the agency. 8. Initiate and nurture relationships with donors during the qualification phase to build trust and affinity for the organization, and hand off qualified prospects to the Major Gifts team with a clear summary of interests and suggested next steps. 9. Stay up to date on CHC's services, programs and strategic initiatives-building narratives to educate and excite supporters. Stay well informed on all current events related to CHC's work and maintain subject matter knowledge. Work strategically alongside Programs and Community Involvement teams to elevate agency narratives among donors and deepen donor engagement-increasing gifts over time and identifying additional opportunities for funding. 10. Assemble promotional and informational materials for use in engagement activities. 11. Uphold meticulous attention to donor database and record keeping. All prospect/funder contacts, visits and gifts will be annotated in the Raiser's Edge database within a week of each activity or occurrence. 12. Stay updated on trends in philanthropy, including emerging donor demographics and giving patterns, to refine prospecting strategies. 13. Join the Development weekly team meetings, to report and be part of the team's activities and planning. 14. Provide weekly reports to the CDO on donor engagement activities, outcomes, and strategies.
15. In addition to the primary duties and responsibilities listed above, performs other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION : Bachelor's degree preferred (equivalent experience considered).
EXPERIENCE : Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or prospect research roles. Experience working with CRM and marketing systems such as Donor Drive, Raiser's Edge, and Canva preferred.
SKILLS : Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills and the ability to shift priorities as needed. Confidentiality, strong personal and professional integrity, team-building skills, tactfulness and good judgment are critical. The ideal candidate would have a self-motivated, joyful spirit and the ability to work independently to achieve benchmarks. They will be highly organized, be able to multitask and have the ability to incorporate feedback from a variety of team members.
Must be proficient in computer software programs (Microsoft related); ability to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines; possess strong attention to detail and relationship management skills. A knowledge of and deep empathy for homelessness and youth development issues.
TRANSPORTATION : Must have a valid driver license and a good driving record.
WORKING CONDITIONS : Office environment with travel to CHC Campus locations as needed. Some weekend/holiday/evening work may be required. This position is hybrid and can either be based in Northern California or Southern California.
EQUIPMENT USED : CHC issued Computer, telephone and other equipment as required.
Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.