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The Fuller Foundation

Donor Relations Officer

The Fuller Foundation, Los Angeles

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Job Description

Job Description

THE ORGANIZATION

The Fuller Foundation is an independent Christian philanthropic services organization that provides financial support for Fuller Theological Seminary through annual and endowment fundraising, gift planning, capital campaign management, and funding for restricted purposes. Founded in 1987 and located in Pasadena, CA, the Foundation also offers estate planning, charitable trust administration, donor-advised funds, endowment management, and investment management services for Fullers supporters. The Fuller Foundation purview further encompasses Fullers extensive alumni relations programs, serving Fullers more than 40,000 alumni globally.

Fuller Theological Seminary, the organization that the Fuller Foundation serves and supports, has had a global impact and rich history throughout its 75 years. Today, its focus is to offer Gods hope and healing in the world. One of the largest multidenominational seminaries in the world, Fuller serves 3,000 students and learners from 90 countries and 110 denominations. Two schools (School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy and the School of Mission and Theology), multiple locations, and many renowned centers and institutes enable Fuller to offer a full range of masters and doctoral programs in traditional, cohort-based, and virtual settings. Fuller further offers resources and significant formation and equipping opportunities for Christians who are not on a degree track but are interested in deeper embodiment of their faith. From founder Charles E. Fullers original vision until now, Fuller Seminarys core commitment has remained the same : equipping leaders with minds for scholarship and hearts for the unchanging, saving gospel of Jesus Christ.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Donor Relations Officer is a key member of the Alumni and Donor Engagement team, responsible for leading strategic stewardship efforts and creating compelling donor-centered content that enhances donor retention and deepens engagement. This role combines thoughtful donor engagement, digital strategy, and impact storytelling to ensure every donor feels seen, valued, and connected to Fullers mission. Through strategic communicationsincluding impact reports, donor campaigns, digital storytelling, institutional updates, and personalized outreachthis position serves as both a relationship-builder and narrative architect for Fullers donor community. This includes crafting and coordinating donor / constituent-facing communications such as institutional announcements, news updates, and press releases. From customized stewardship plans to digital and print storytelling, this position helps shape the donor experience from first gift to legacy impact.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Relations & Stewardship

  • Design and implement a comprehensive donor relations program to increase donor retention and long-term engagement.
  • Develop segmented stewardship plans for key donor groups, including major donors, first-time donors, and recurring givers.
  • Oversee timely and meaningful donor recognition through thank-you letters, tax summaries, and impact reports.
  • Manage the production and delivery of annual named fund reports, faculty reports, and other stewardship communications.
  • Maintain an annual calendar of donor communications and stewardship touchpoints.
  • Draft donor correspondence, including letters for senior leaders, customized reports, and donor-focused emails.
  • Respond to donor inquiries with timely, accurate, and thoughtful communication.
  • Track and evaluate stewardship activities in CRM systems and ensure data accuracy.

Impact Communications & Content Creation

  • Serve as lead writer and editor for donor-centric content, including campaign appeals, newsletters, impact stories, social media posts, institutional announcements, updates, and press releases.
  • Develop content strategies that communicate the impact of giving and highlighting student, faculty, and alumni experiences.
  • Coordinate the development of digital and print materials, such as brochures, video scripts, donor testimonials, and graphics.
  • Lead the development and management of Advancements annual communications calendar, aligning efforts across team functions and ensuring the timely execution of digital and print donor-focused campaigns.
  • Oversee digital engagement initiatives across platforms (social media, email, website) and maintain brand consistency.

    • Campaign Collaboration & Strategy Execution

  • Work closely with the Annual Giving Manager on the execution of appeals, Giving Day, Giving Tuesday, and other micro-campaigns.
  • Partner with the Director of Alumni Relations to integrate alumni stories and testimonials into donor communications.
  • Collaborate with internal departments (TFF / FTS) and external vendors to ensure cohesive and compelling multi-channel campaigns.

    • Team Participation & Cross-Departmental Coordination

  • Coordinate with faculty and seminary departments to collect and incorporate content for stewardship reports.
  • Represent the Advancement team in cross-functional projects requiring donor communications and stewardship.
  • Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and institutional events as needed.
  • Respond to requests from colleagues in a timely, collaborative manner and model the core guiding principles of the Foundation.

    • QUALIFICATIONS

    The Donor Relations Officer will be a professional with demonstrated experience and will bring the following qualifications :

  • Bachelors degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in donor relations, communications, marketing, or digital engagement.
  • Strong writing and storytelling skills with the ability to craft compelling donor-centric messages.
  • Knowledge of donor stewardship best practices and fundraising principles..
  • Knowledge of digital engagement strategies, including social media management, email marketing, and website content creation.
  • Ability to analyze engagement metrics and adjust strategies for optimal impact.
  • Must handle confidential donor information with discretion and integrity.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
  • Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or faith-based organizations is a plus.
  • Familiarity with CRM and email marketing platforms (e.g. Ellucian, Marketo, Mailchimp).
  • Experience in graphic design, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) or Canva.
  • Video editing and multimedia content creation experience.

    • COMPENSATION AND REQUIREMENTS

  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
  • Annual compensation will be competitive. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided.
  • Background check required.
  • An organizational wide performance review process is required for all employees and a required task of all supervisors along with regular 1 : 1 meetings with their direct reports.
  • This position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support events and deadlines. A hybrid work model is available, but attendance at in-person meetings and seminary events is expected as needed.
  • Local candidates are preferred; however, a remote option is available for qualified candidates.

    • COMMITMENT TO FOUNDATIONS VALUES

    Expectations

  • Share a commitment to our mission and purpose.
  • Make quality service a top priority.
  • Must contribute to an organizational culture based on collaboration, commitment to excellence, and curiosity.
  • Be a team-player who also works independently.

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