DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Mai 28, 2025 - The Director of Donor Relations brings proven expertise in major gift fundraising, relationship building, and strategic donor cultivation. Skilled in navigating complex financial discussions and managing multiple priorities with organization and independence. Demonstrates proficiency in donor tracking systems and a strong commitment to the organization's mission and stewardship goals.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Director of Donor Relations Resume
  • Fundraising Strategy
  • Major Gifts Management
  • Donor Database Proficiency
  • Moves Management Systems
  • Budget Planning
  • Event Coordination
  • Financial Analysis
  • Communication Tools
  • Impact Reporting
  • Campaign Development
  • Relationship Building
  • Communication
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Organizational Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Decision-Making
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • Time Management
  • Team Leadership

Summary of Director of Donor Relations Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Nonprofit Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in a non-profit fundraising role with a proven record of major gifts success.
  • A demonstrated track record of success in fundraising or similar activity requiring an equivalent skill set.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and excellent written and oral communication abilities.
  • Proven expertise in building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals.
  • A high degree of comfort interacting with people of wealth and discussing complex, sensitive issues of personal and family finances, and ability to make the ask.
  • Able to work independently in a complex environment. 
  • Must be very organized and able to effectively manage multiple projects and conflicting priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals as well as meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Word and Excel, as well as experience with donor tracking and/or database software.
  • Must have an understanding of and appreciation for the Mission of Company.
  • A strong working knowledge of strategy development and moves management systems relevant to the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship process.
  • Experience working with high-level volunteers, donors and program staff on collaborative activities.

2. BA in Communications with 8 years of Experience

  • Development experience with an established track record in fundraising or other development-related experience, preferably in healthcare or academic medicine.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and an openness to embracing new technology.
  • Proficiency in a donor or membership based database
  • Strong knowledge of the utilization of information systems to support stewardship initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage, inform, and interact with donors/prospects, both collaboratively and independently.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills: tact, self-confidence and assertiveness, diplomacy, teamwork, good judgment, confidentiality, a sense of humor, and excellent strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to work confidentially, and to interact with donors, patients, staff and leadership in a professional manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead collaboration across working groups, both interdepartmentally as well as institutionally.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively represent Joslin to external audiences through the use of strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in ways that enhance a person’s commitment to the organization.
  • Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously as well as the ability to work with multiple partners in leadership positions

3. BA in Public Relations with 3 years of Experience

  • Fundraising or related experience.
  • Networking, resourcing, and acquisition skills.
  • Persuasive written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, small and large settings, variety of contexts.
  • Strong writing and verbal skills, with ability to quickly develop content for a variety of media and audiences.
  • Excellent and progressive organizational and project management skills, with the ability to think strategically
  • Forward thinking, self-motivated, quick learner, self-directed, self-starter, capable of working independently and interdependently as part of a team.
  • Handle multiple tasks with accuracy, and high attention to details.
  • Exhibits a self-starter attitude
  • Has a curious mind and participates as a team player
  • Experience, familiarity and/or ability to work in a complex non-profit organization with many departments, programs and fund raising priorities

4. BA in Marketing with 6 years of Experience

  • Fundraising and donor cultivation experience with proven results.
  • Experience developing and executing direct mail and email marketing campaigns.
  • Communicate at an advanced level, oral and written
  • Exhibit strong phone skills (warm tone, good speaking cadence, clear and articulate speech)
  • Participate in a teamwork-driven environment
  • Demonstrate proficiency in building and retaining relationships
  • Exhibit effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate tact, patience, and courtesy
  • Possess in-depth knowledge about donor databases and CRMs (experience with Virtuous)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and other tools
  • Possesses a curious mind, a critical thinker that thrives looking for solutions
  • Demonstrates strong donor service
  • Strong relational and interpersonal skills demonstrating tact, patience, and courtesy

5. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Client service orientation and keen attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as professionalism to interact with a wide range of people at different levels of an organization.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to edit high-level correspondence.
  • Strong project management skills and demonstrated experience leading project teams.
  • Fluency with or robust experience working with relational donor databases
  • Ability to navigate, enter data, pull information, and create reports.
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite.
  • Proven ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities amidst competing deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated sound judgment in situations requiring independent decision-making and in handling confidential and sensitive material
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