Manager of Donor Engagement & Experiences

Manager of Donor Engagement & Experiences

The Skirball Cultural Center seeks a Manager of Donor Engagement & Experiences to join its Development team in a role focused on strengthening donor relationships through strategic, mission-aligned engagement. This is a donor-facing, growth-oriented position ideal for a development professional who thrives in relationship-building, enjoys working with high-level volunteers and donors, and understands how experiences drive philanthropy. This person will design and deliver cultivation and stewardship experiences, support donor councils, and contribute to major fundraising initiatives, including galas and capital efforts.

This role moves beyond traditional event planning to focus on donor strategy, engagement outcomes, and relationship development, offering a meaningful opportunity to grow within a dynamic fundraising operation at a leading Jewish cultural institution.

Salary Range: $65k - $70k / year

Responsibilities

Donor & Council Engagement

• Serve as primary staff support for donor councils, ensuring activities reflect the Skirball's mission, Jewish values, and commitment to welcoming diverse communities.
• Partner with Development leadership and council chairs to plan meetings, engagement strategies, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Maintain consistent, high-touch communication with council members, including outreach, stewardship, follow-up, and renewals.
• Track engagement activity and giving patterns in coordination with Development Operations.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship Experiences

• Plan and execute donor-facing experiences (salons, previews, behind-the-scenes programs, special access events, artist/curator engagements, and travel opportunities) as intentional cultivation and stewardship tools.
• Collaborate with frontline fundraisers on invitation strategy, guest lists, donor hosting, messaging, and post-event follow-up.
• Ensure each engagement has a clear purpose, target audience, and desired fundraising outcome.

Signature Fundraising Events

• Support planning and execution of the Skirball' signature fundraising events.
• Assist with donor experience strategies related to sponsorships, committees, VIP stewardship, recognition, and follow-up.
• Partner with Development colleagues and external vendors to ensure a high-quality donor experience.

Capital Campaign & Major Initiatives

• Support donor engagement strategies connected to capital campaigns and major institutional fundraising initiatives.
• Assist with donor briefings, cultivation moments, and recognition or stewardship experiences.
• Contribute to donor journeys that support long-term investment and campaign readiness.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Representation

• Represent the Development team in donor-facing settings with professionalism and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with programming, curatorial, and executive teams to align donor engagement with institutional priorities.
• Identify opportunities where programs and exhibitions can support donor cultivation and stewardship.

Planning & Execution

• Develop annual engagement plans for councils and donor experiences aligned with fundraising goals.
• Manage timelines, communications, budgets, and logistics while maintaining strategic focus.
• Evaluate engagement outcomes and recommend improvements to participation, retention, and donor satisfaction.

Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes

• 57 years of experience in development, fundraising, donor engagement, advancement, or a related relationship-driven role.
• Demonstrated comfort working directly with donors, volunteers, or senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with a polished, donor-facing presence.
• Working knowledge of donor cultivation, stewardship, and moves management concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail and donor experience quality.
• High emotional intelligence, initiative, and sound professional judgment.
• Preferred experience supporting or working on capital campaigns.
• Experience with fundraising events.
• Background in a Jewish institution, museum, cultural organization, higher education, or mission-driven nonprofit.
• Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems (e.g., Altru/Tessitura, Blackbaud, Salesforce, or similar).