Manager of Donor Relations

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands-on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life-long-learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration. As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real-world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

Position:

Discovery Cube Orange County is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Manager of Donor Relations to support our mission of engaging and inspiring children in STEM education. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at managing donor relationships, and can effectively utilize data-driven strategies to enhance fundraising efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising:

• Collaborate with the Development & Community Engagement team to drive fundraising initiatives and enhance donor engagement.


• Support major gift fundraising efforts by assisting in the management of donor portfolios and developing targeted cultivation strategies.


• Assist in donor stewardship efforts, including personalized communications, acknowledgments, and event coordination.


• Process donations daily, and prepare acknowledgment and stewardship letters, and other correspondence for donations and gifts.


• Send and maintain pledge records for Annual Fund and Capital Campaign donors.


• Assist VP with drafting and preparing correspondence and grant and gift proposals.


• Lead membership/renewal management, Cube Ambassadors and Multipliers, as well as collateral and direct mail support.


• Handle all administrative details associated with the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign meetings and events.

Database Management:

• Maintain and optimize donor records using Microsoft CRM, Dynamics 365, ensuring accuracy and data integrity.


• Leverage CRM-generated reports to track fundraising progress and strategically inform donor engagement strategies.


• Maintain gift database by continually inputting and updating database records and create fundraising reports and other database reports as needed.


• Utilize Microsoft Dynamics 360 CRM for contact reports, gift transmittals, pulling reports and lists for events or other important information.


• Prepare annual tax receipts for individuals and coordinate mailing of receipts.

Administrative:

• Provide administrative and database support to the entire Development team, ensuring the smooth execution of fundraising activities.


• In partnership with the VP, manage department’s metrics and fundraising plans on target.


• Complete and manage VP’s expense reports and budget.


• Handle all administrative details associated with the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign meetings and events (i.e., schedule meetings, prepare and distribute notices, secure locations; prepare meeting materials, type up meeting minutes).


• Coordinate production of appeal letters, holiday cards, and other department mailings.


• Development website maintenance.


• Coordinate production of appeal letters, holiday cards, and other department mailings.


• Plan and arrange business meetings for the Development team (as needed) with senior management, staff, Board members, major donors, and prospects.

Events:

• Assist with special events, including Multiplier events, our annual gala and two golf events.


• Work cross-functionally with other departments to support donor engagement events and initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or related discipline) preferred.


• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or nonprofit development.


• Proficiency in Microsoft CRM, Dynamics 365, or other donor database management systems.


• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to generate insights from data reports.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment.


• A passion for STEM education and a strong curiosity for engaging students in science-related activities.


• Highly adaptable, reliable, and positive team player with strong attention to detail.


• Ability to handle sensitive donor information with the highest level of confidentiality.


• Adapt to shifting priorities, demonstrating strong multi-tasking and organizational skills.

What’s In It For You: 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance


• Optional supplemental insurance coverage


• 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees


• 14 Free general admission tickets per year


• Free tickets to festivals plus admission


• On-site dining and shopping discount


• Employee discounts through ADP and FunEx


• Accrued paid time off for full-time employees


• 10 paid company holidays

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.