Donor Engagement Strategist

Donor Engagement Strategist

Job Description

Class:  Non-Exempt Part-Time                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        July 2026

Location: Merriam, Kansas

Reports to: Senior Major Gifts Officer

Salary Range: $50,000

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically? 
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? 
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary:

The Donor Engagement Strategist plays a crucial role in shaping fundraising strategy at Great Plains SPCA by translating donor insights into clear, actionable direction for fundraisers. This position partners closely with the Senior Major Gifts Officer to inform decision-making, strengthen donor engagement, and drive sustainable revenue growth. With a focus on analytics, prospect strategy, researching donor biographies, and portfolio development, this role ensures fundraising efforts are targeted, data-informed, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Insight & Fundraising Strategy

• Serve as a thought partner with the Senior Major Gifts Officer, using donor insights to guide strategic decisions
• Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement, increase giving, and strengthen long-term retention
• Translate trends in donor behavior into clear recommendations that shape campaigns, major gift strategy, and resource allocation

Segmentation & Targeting Strategy

• Develop and refine audience strategies for campaigns, events, and major gift initiatives
• Partner with fundraising staff to prioritize high-impact opportunities based on capacity, inclination, and engagement
• Advance segmentation approaches that improve personalization and overall fundraising performance

Prospect Strategy & Donor Intelligence

• Lead proactive identification and qualification of major gift prospects
• Provide high-level donor insights, profiles, and briefings to support relationship-building by fundraisers and leadership
• Bring forward emerging opportunities through analysis of donor trends and external intelligence

Pipeline & Portfolio Strategy

• Partner with fundraisers to shape and strengthen donor portfolios through hosting quarterly portfolio review meetings
• Provide strategic guidance on pipeline health, movement, and prioritization
• Support a disciplined, relationship-centered moves management approach across the team

Performance Analytics & Reporting 

• Deliver clear, forward-looking analysis on fundraising performance, including key metrics related to retention, growth, and revenue
• Create weekly fundraising reports
• Re-capping fundraising campaigns through a data lens
• Equip leadership with insights needed for forecasting and strategic planning
• Communicate complex data in a way that drives clarity, alignment, and action
• Other duties as needed
• Participate with end of day pet help to support daily animal care operations. 

Key Capabilities

• Strategic thinker who turns insight into action and shapes key decisions 
• Agile and solutions-focused, able to adjust quickly as priorities evolve 
• Brings an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong sense of ownership 
• Uses data and judgment to navigate complexity and ambiguity 
• Translates complexity into clarity, enabling confident decision-making 
• Communicates effectively across audiences, especially non-technical stakeholders 
• Builds strong partnerships to advance shared goals

Requirements 

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit strategy or analytics
• Strong experience interpreting donor data and translating insights into strategy
• Familiarity with prospect research tools (e.g., DonorSearch, Kindsight/iWave, WealthEngine)
• Experience working with CRM platforms (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.)
• Demonstrated success supporting major gifts or campaign strategy
• Advanced Excel or data analysis skills
• Knowledge of moves management best practices

Work Conditions 

• 30 hours a week, Monday-Friday, 8 am-3 pm OR Monday-Thursday, 8-4:30 pm
• Willing and able to handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs. 
• Lift 50lbs to waist height
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause. 

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
• 100% employer‑covered mental health support
• Disability and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets