Donor Relations Manager
Job Title: Donor Relations Manager
Organization: Second Chance Foods
Reports to: Director of Mission Growth
Works closely with: Director of Mission Growth & Executive Director
Hybrid - must live within commuting distance to Brewster, NY
Hours & Compensation: Part-time - about 20 hours per week $35/hour Non-exempt
About Second Chance Foods
Second Chance Foods is a nonprofit food rescue organization that nourishes communities and reduces food waste. We rescue surplus food from farms, grocery stores, and restaurant suppliers, transform it into nutritious meals, or donate it as fresh groceries for people facing food insecurity. Our work is powered by dedicated volunteers and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that good food reaches those who need it most while minimizing waste. Based in Brewster, NY, we collaborate with local partners to create a more just and resilient food system.
Position Summary
The Donor Relations Manager plays a key role in growing and sustaining the relationships that fuel our mission. Supporting the Director of Mission Growth, this position manages donor relationships, strengthens move management systems, supports fundraising events and communications, and ensures donors feel valued, informed, and connected to the impact of their generosity.
This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, genuinely people-oriented, and skilled at building trust-based relationships. The successful candidate is warm, responsive, and attentive to the diverse ways donors prefer to engage, and is excited to cultivate long-term partnerships in a growing, mission-driven organization.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Relations Management
- Manage a portfolio of individual donors, cultivating relationships through thoughtful stewardship, outreach, and follow-up
- Support the Executive Director and Director of Mission Growth with moves management, donor tracking, and relationship coordination
- Help identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase giving over time
Moves Management & Strategy
- Maintain and support a moves management system for self, Executive Director, and Director of Mission Growth
- Track donor interactions, next steps, and outcomes to ensure consistent and meaningful engagement
- Assist in developing strategies to grow donor relationships, retention, and overall donor reach
Communications & Acknowledgements
- Prepare timely and personalized donor acknowledgements and thank-you communications
- Support donor communications including emails, updates, social media
- Help ensure donor messaging reflects Second Chance Foods’ values, voice, and mission
Events & Partnerships
- Support fundraising and donor engagement events, including planning, logistics, and follow-up
- Assist with cultivation and stewardship of corporate donors, partners, and supporters
- Help strengthen relationships with community partners and collaborators
Qualifications & Skills
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple relationships, priorities, and deadlines
- Experience with donor databases/CRMs
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Confident decision-maker who identifies and pursues opportunities
- Relationship-oriented mindset with a genuine appreciation for donors and supporters
- Alignment with Second Chance Foods’ mission, values, and commitment to dignity and access
- Nonprofit fundraising or donor relations experience required
What We Value
- A passion for our mission
- Warm, respectful communication
- Attention to detail paired with big-picture thinking
- Collaboration, curiosity, and a growth mindset
- A belief that generosity thrives when relationships are authentic and well cared for
Please Provide
- Resume
- Brief cover letter
- 1–2 writing samples, i.e. a donor thank-you letter or email, a past fundraising appeal (email or letter), a short newsletter blurb or impact story
- A short description of a fundraising event or development project you ran or supported, your role and its impact.
