Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged in the child welfare system.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted, and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

The Donor Relations Officer is responsible for securing funds to advance Amara’s mission by building relationships with donors and inviting them to support areas of Amara’s work that align with their interests and passions. The Donor Relations Officer will be expected to provide donors with giving opportunities, encourage donors to give, and will work to assure that as many donors as possible are retained as continuing partners to Amara and that their engagement is increased as measured by giving and mission involvement.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Donor Relations Officer is a member of Amara’s External Relations team and works closely with staff across the organization. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 75-100 donors (individuals and family foundations) who have capacity to make leadership gifts to Amara ($2,500+) through on-going engagement, solicitations, and stewardship.
  • Develop annual fundraising and engagement plans for each donor in this portfolio.
• Develop a pipeline of donors of approximately 200-400 donors with capacity to move into leadership giving by qualifying, engaging, soliciting, and stewarding current mid-level donors ($500-$2,499).
• Engage monthly donors with ongoing stewardship.
• Consistently document and coordinate donor engagement activities.
• Provide audience engagement support for Amara fundraising and friend-raising events.
• Work with External Relations team members, program teams, and the finance team to secure program and project information, including budgets, and create meaningful offers, proposals, and asks to secure gifts and report back on how the donor’s gift is making a difference to Amara’s mission.
• Support the Chief Philanthropy Officer and CEO to engage and steward Board members and other leadership volunteers in Amara’s mission and philanthropic goals.
• Maintain familiarity with Amara’s programs and issues related to child welfare.
• Represent Amara as a professional collaborator at public functions and events, including social and professional gatherings.
• Adhere to Amara’s policies and procedures and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics.
• Actively participate in Amara’s efforts to advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity, unlearn biases, and engage in the organization’s broader work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Amara is seeking people with demonstrated success fostering relationships with donors and community members. The successful candidate is driven by providing exceptional customer service, enjoys relationship building and engaging stakeholders, enjoys a collaborative environment, and is passionate about connecting supporters to Amara’s programs to advance Amara’s mission.

We list our preferred qualifications and are open to candidates who can demonstrate their experience and/or education that supports their alignment with the skills we are seeking.

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and anti-racism:
  • Experience working in racially and ethnically diverse environments.
  • Demonstrated commitment to understanding and dismantling structural racial inequity.
  • Desire to further personal understanding of racial and social justice work.
• 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, friend-raising, and communications with experience in relationship development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship builder with highly collaborative style; experience bringing supporters and partners closer to an organization’s mission.
• Ability to design and implement donor engagement strategies, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans and activities.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to ethical standards in fundraising, the Donor Bill of Rights, and strengths-based storytelling.
• Ability to engage donors in the mission, including conversations on advancing equity and anti-racism in the child welfare system.
• Goal oriented, resourceful, flexible, positive, and good humored.
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with an annual salary of $75,000-$90,000 DOE. Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work environment with some flexibility to work from home and will have workspace in one of our locations in either Pierce or King County.

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer