Donor Engagement & Cultivation Volunteer People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos

Help people reconnect with a mission they care about—and discover new reasons to get involved.

As People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos enters its 55th year, we’re seeking an experienced fundraising or nonprofit development professional to help strengthen relationships with longtime donors and engage people who have attended our programs and events.

Our free programs bring people together to read and discuss short stories in English and Spanish. We reach underserved communities through senior centers, correctional facilities, supportive housing, libraries, and community organizations, creating opportunities for reflection, conversation, and connection.

We have a community of supporters and many opportunities to deepen their involvement. Working directly with our Executive Director, you’ll help turn those opportunities into lasting relationships.

How you’ll make a difference

• Personally reconnect with longtime and lapsed donors, listening to their interests and helping them engage with our work.
• Follow up with event attendees and other people who have expressed interest in our mission.
• Arrange coffee with the Executive Director, small gatherings, and invitations to experience a program.
• Coordinate appreciation calls and personal notes with our Executive Director and board members.
• Maintain a donor contact and follow-up calendar, document conversations, and carry out agreed-upon next steps.
• Help identify opportunities for deeper involvement, introductions, sponsorships, and future giving.

Who we’re looking for

You have experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development and enjoy building authentic relationships. You’re comfortable initiating conversations, listening thoughtfully, and following through independently.

Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, organization, and discretion with confidential information are essential. Familiarity with donor databases or contact-management tools is helpful. Familiarity with Spanish a plus, not required.

Retired and semi-retired development professionals, as well as experienced professionals seeking a modest ongoing volunteer commitment, are warmly encouraged to apply.

What we offer

Meaningful work, a close partnership with our Executive Director, and the opportunity to see your experience strengthen a small nonprofit at an exciting time in its history. We’ll introduce you to our mission, programs, and supporters, and work together to identify an initial group of relationships for you to help cultivate.

Time commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per week, with flexible scheduling. We hope to build a lasting relationship with someone who would enjoy becoming part of our team.

Location: Primarily remote within New Jersey, with occasional in-person donor gatherings, program visits, or events in the Princeton area and nearby communities, arranged together with respect to your flexible schedule.

This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity.

Interested? Please email a brief introduction describing your relevant experience, interest, and availability Debra Lampert-Rudman, Executive Director, at debra@peopleandstories.org. Please use the subject line “Donor Engagement Volunteer.”

Help us nurture the relationships that keep our stories—and our work—going.