Director of Donor Relations

Please note: To be considered for this role, applicants must submit a cover letter. Please send your cover letter to jobs@mysistersplacedc.org.

About the Role

The Director of Donor Relations is a dynamic and relationship-driven fundraiser responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who make gifts of $10,000 and above. This person will play a key role in expanding and deepening My Sister’s Place’s (MSP) community of supporters by supporting the launch of MSP’s major gifts program through building authentic, lasting relationships and helping donors see the direct impact of their generosity. The ideal candidate combines a sales mindset with a mission-driven heart and data-savvy strategy, motivated by both results and relationships.

The Director of Donor Relations will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, oversee the individual giving program through direct supervision of the Individual Giving Manager, and partner closely with the Senior Director of Advancement to meet fundraising goals.

This is a hybrid position and expected to be in the office at least 1-2 days a week.

About My Sister’s Place

My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the district's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP is unique in offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.

What You’ll Be Doing

Donor Relations and Major Gift Strategy (60%)

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 125-150 major donors and prospects, moving them through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles.
• Build genuine, long-term relationships with donors through personal outreach, phone calls, meetings, and events.
• Develop customized engagement and solicitation strategies that align donors’ passions with MSP’s priorities.
• Lead solicitations and prepare briefings, proposals, and materials for leadership and Board involvement.
• Partner with program staff to identify compelling stories and impact data to share with donors.

Individual Giving and Stewardship (20%)

• Supervise and mentor the Individual Giving Manager to ensure alignment between annual giving and major gift efforts.
• Collaborate on annual campaigns, direct mail, and digital appeals that identify and upgrade potential major donors.
• Oversee stewardship activities, ensuring every donor feels valued, informed, and inspired to continue giving.
• Identify opportunities for donor engagement through events, special campaigns, and community connections.

Collaboration and Strategy (10%)

• Work closely with the Communications Manager to align messaging and donor communications.
• Partner with the Director of Institutional Giving to ensure a coordinated approach to institutional philanthropic relationships.
• Participate in strategy meetings to forecast and track revenue goals across all fundraising streams.

Events and Donor Engagement (10%)

• Serve as a visible and approachable representative of MSP at donor events, community gatherings, and small-group meetings.
• Help plan and execute donor cultivation and recognition events that build connection and excitement around MSP’s work, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Advancement and Individual Giving Manager.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE a plus.
• 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in closing major gifts.
• Sales-oriented mindset with strong listening, storytelling, and persuasion skills.
• Self-starter who thrives in environments where they can take ownership, create structure, and build a program from early stages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate impact into inspiring donor language.
• Ability to understand and interpret data to support strategic donor cultivation
• Proficiency in donor databases and Microsoft Office Suite, with DonorPerfect experience considered a plus
• Deep commitment to MSP’s mission and understanding of trauma-informed values and survivor-centered work.

Background Check & Drug Testing Requirements:

Employment at My Sister’s Place is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks, including FBI and MPD background checks, TB testing, and drug tests. Additionally, due to grant requirements, employees must maintain updated background checks and screenings as required for their position throughout their employment.

What We're Looking For

At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:

• Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
• Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
• Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
• Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek a team member who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon 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.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance