Senior Manager, Development Operations & Donor Relations

ASAE Research Foundation supports the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) by advancing knowledge in association management and nonprofit leadership. We are the “think tank” that sponsors and conducts research, and we fundraise to support these important programs. We define evidence-based practices that inform crucial conversations and decision making. We provide resources that help association professionals navigate the future and build sustainable strategies. We amplify associations’ ability to deliver value to their industries and professions, and the global society at large.

Candidates must be able to work in a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment where colleagues are engaged, respect and support each other, hold themselves accountable, and celebrate their work.

Summary of Duties

ASAE Research Foundation seeks a career development professional with experience in fundraising operations and donor relations. This position serves as an integral member of a three-person development team. She/he develops strong connections with our donors, is the operations and donor data expert, and is a strategic thinker who helps the Research Foundation elevate our development programs to achieve and exceed goals.

The senior manager of development operations and donor relations reports to the director of development, and works closely with the foundation research program team, as well as ASAE's meetings, IT/database, finance, web, and learning teams. This is a full-time exempt position based in Washington, DC. [Add COVID/remote working language]

Specific Responsibilities

Fundraising Operations:

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of individual and corporate pledges and gifts, sponsorship payments, and fundraising event registrations.
• Manage the monthly giving program operations, and the “renewal” process for annual fund donors and giving circle members.
• Administer year-end donor acknowledgment statements.
• Support virtual and live Research Foundation fundraising events, including logistics coordination and day-of support.
• Ensure on-going operational efficiencies and exceptional donor experiences through development and management of SOPs, and regular reviews with organizational stakeholders to explore opportunities for improvement.
• Track, analyze, and report on donation, sponsorship, and event registration results against goals, and provide insights and suggestions based on findings.

Donor Stewardship & Cultivation:

• Provide donor support, including assistance with donation payments, giving circle inquiries, and fundraising event registration.
• Lead donor “moves management” processes and tactics to develop strong relationships with major donors and prospects.
• Manage donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Work closely with the Research Foundation communications manager on fundraising marketing campaigns, and provide support, including the development of prospect and donor lists.

Volunteer Management:

• Act as the primary liaison for the Research Foundation Development Committee, providing volunteer support and logistical management of committee meetings.
• Provide support for Research Foundation Board meetings.
• Facilitate volunteer-lead programs, including donor stewardship outreach, and major donor prospect calling.

Position Requirements: 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Minimum three-to-five years’ experience in a fundraising, membership, or sales environment with demonstrated expertise in operations and donor/member/customer relations.
• Fundraising experience preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive.
• Hands-on experience in a customer service role supporting customers, members, or donors.
• In-depth experience working with donor/member/customer management systems.
• Knowledge of gift processing and gift acknowledgement best practices preferred.
• Events management experience a plus.

Essential Skills

• Self-driven; you learn quickly and navigate changes with minimal direction.
• Organized; you have strong project management skills and are adept at multitasking and prioritizing your work.
• Detail-oriented; you have keen attention to detail and take pride in high-quality work.
• Problem-solver; you know how to tackle challenges and enjoy looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
• Knowledge-seeker; you stay abreast of best practices and bring new ideas to your work.
• Communicator: you have excellent interpersonal skills, and are able to communicate ideas, needs, and feedback to others clearly in writing and verbally.
• People-person; you enjoy talking with your customers and develop a rapport easily.
• Perceptive; you quickly understand the nuances of a situation and make sound decisions.
• Creative; you are excited by new ideas, and able to create a vision that gets others excited about those ideas too.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment 
This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.  This position is eligible to participate in the work from home program.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand at events for long periods of time.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.  This position is temporarily remote, however, upon re-opening, staff will be required to work from the ASAE office located in downtown Washington, DC.


Travel
Travel on average three times per year with two-to-five-night stays.

Work authorization
Must be able to work legally in the United States without sponsorship.

Benefits Offered:

• Hybrid Work from Home Arrangements
• Flexible Work Hours
• Casual Dress Code
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Prescription Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Generous 401k Retirement Plan
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• STD/LTD
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• AFLAC
• Legal and Identity Theft Plans
• Company Paid Professional Development
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Computer Purchase Program