Donor Relations Manager

VISUAL EFFECTS SOCIETY

DONOR RELATIONS MANAGER

Key Areas: Fundraising, Sponsorship, Barters

Position Summary

The Donor Relations Manager is a new role devoted to securing and managing strategic partnerships that drive revenue, visibility, and growth for the Visual Effects Society – a nonprofit honorary society. This rare opportunity is crucial to building and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships with corporate partners, individual donors, and industry sponsors, with a focus on supporting the organization’s financial goals and mission.

To ensure success, the Donor Relations Manager will stay informed on industry trends, giving patterns, and donor expectations while actively networking and engaging in industry events to strengthen partnerships and promote the organization. You’ll be positioned at the center of the entertainment industry’s most influential circles.

This position offers the chance to lead our fundraising efforts and play a pivotal role in advancing

the Visual Effects Society’s mission of supporting visual effects professionals worldwide. As the

first person in this position, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the role and build

something meaningful from the ground up.

Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to the following

Donor Relations Evaluation – Assess and evaluate the Society’s current partners (sponsors, in-kind, barters, etc.) and potential partner engagement opportunities. Develop a strategy for maximizing engagement and connection for each channel.

Fundraising Outreach and Management - Lead outreach, tracking, and fulfillment.

• Develop, oversee, and facilitate fundraising for all VES initiatives.
• Identify, research, cultivate, engage, solicit, and steward existing partners/sponsors and new donor prospects. Develop compelling pitch materials to secure funding.
• Support Executive Director in planning and execution of existing events (VES Awards show and VES Honors Celebration) and developing new fundraising opportunities.
• Execute sponsorship programs through VES platforms (events, VFX Voice magazine, ads, emails, social media) and other engagement opportunities.
• Build relationships through Board of Directors with legacy industry professionals and studio executives to develop tailored giving opportunities.

Leadership engagement – Develop ways to enlist the global Board of Directors in generating new sponsorship revenue leads and resources. Guide global VES Sections in fundraising and sponsorship best practices to support their local events. Provide support to enable leadership and board members to successfully participate in generating partners and funding.

Industry and Media Partnerships – Manage existing industry partnerships (industry organizations, conferences and media) to identify new ways to raise the visibility and image of the visual effects craft and VES practitioners among the entertainment industry. Propose, negotiate and manage fulfillment of all partner arrangements.

Data Management and Reporting - Utilize CRM tools to maintain accurate records on moves management, deal points, funding and deliverables. Manage a donor portfolio of up to 120, conducting at least 100 meetings annually. Maintain accurate donor records and database updates.

Education and Experience

• Required Minimum four years of corporate development or fundraising experience, with two to three years in fundraising, including a successful track record of personally meeting with donors and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Significant experience directly qualifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts prospects, including developing solicitation strategy from identification through stewardship.
• Demonstrated success in sponsorship program development and implementation.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent years of experience required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Fundraising & Financial Acumen: Financially literate with the ability to build donor relationships, leverage networks, and drive revenue growth. Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising.
• Relationship & Communication Skills: Proven ability to manage corporate relationships, engage donors, and secure high-value sponsorships. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse backgrounds.
• Project & Strategic Management: Strong organizational, project management, and multi-tasking skills in fast-paced environments. Strategic thinker with a proactive, adaptable, and results-driven approach.
• Technical & Industry Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, and CRM or donor management tools. Experience in entertainment or technology sectors preferred.
• Independent & Collaborative Work Ethic: Highly motivated self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team. Demonstrates sound judgment, ethical integrity, and discretion with confidential information.
• Commitment & Flexibility: Politically savvy, goal-oriented, and willing to work non-standard hours as needed. Valid CA driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Benefits, Compensation and Working Hours

• Competitive Benefit Package: includes medical/dental/vision insurance, vacation pay, retirement plan and FSA.
• Salary Range: $93,000-$98,000/year, depending on experience.
• Working Hours: This position is a full-time, exempt salaried position. VES is currently on a hybrid format, with at least three days/week in our Sherman Oaks, CA office and other days remotely. Occasional nights or weekend work are required. Willingness to travel, as needed, to industry events or conferences.

How to Apply:

To help us get to know you better:

1. Cover Letter Required:

Tell us why you'd be great for this role and how your background aligns with what we're looking for. We want to hear your story and understand what draws you to this opportunity.

1. Submit Materials:

Send your cover letter and resume to jobs@vesglobal.org by October 3rd, 2025 at 5:00 PM Pacific. Please include "Donor Relations Manager" in your email subject line.

We review all applications carefully and will be in touch with qualified candidates soon after the deadline.

About VES

The Visual Effects Society (VES) is a global honorary society championing the innovative and creative realm of visual effects across all entertainment domains. VES serves nearly 5,500 members in 50 countries. We are committed to education, inspiration, and celebrating excellence in our craft.