Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: San Francisco or Los Angeles preferred

Reports to: Associate Director of Donor Relations

Direct reports: N/A

Start date: As soon as possible

Application closing date: Open until filled

Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000 commensurate with experience

About Equality California and Equality California Institute:

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization with over 900,000 members. Equality California brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. For more than 20 years, Equality California has been fighting for full, lived LGBTQ+ equality in a number of ways: electing pro-equality leaders up and down the ballot; passing pro-equality legislation in California, Nevada and Washington, DC; and fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice in the courtroom. For the purpose of this job description, “Equality California” is used as an umbrella term for Equality California and its sister organization, Equality California Institute.

 Equality California Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization that has a parallel mission to Equality California, its 501(c)(4) counterpart. Equality California Institute works to achieve full, lived LGBTQ+ equality by reducing disparities in LGBTQ+ health and well-being, developing a pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders and increasing civic participation within the LGBTQ+ community.

Position Overview:

Equality California seeks a Donor Relations Manager to support a comprehensive, relationship-based individual giving program of over $1 million annually by managing the research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement, and stewardship of sustaining and major donors. The Donor Relations Manager will work alongside a special events team as well as the Associate Director of Donor Relations, Director of Development and the Managing and Executive Directors to plan and execute successful communication campaigns and events in which to engage individuals with the capacity and passion to advance the Equality California mission.

The Donor Relations team will capitalize on strategic opportunities to retain and grow relationships with current constituents; convert event attendees into ongoing supporters; and identify and engage new donors in the Capitol Club (our sustaining donor program for gifts of $600-$4,999 annually) and Leadership Circle (our major donor program for gifts of $5,000+ annually). The Donor Relations Managers’ responsibilities also include direct solicitation; and traveling to build board and donor relationships. Experience with telefunding is required, and experience in planned giving, grant management and/or capital/endowment campaigns is preferred. The Donor Relations Manager reports to the Associate Director of Donor Relations. This is a full-time, salaried exempt position near or in a major city within California with San Francisco and Los Angeles locations preferred. If employees are in an area where Equality California has an office, the Donor Relations Manager will be following the hybrid workplace schedule in place.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Maintain and Grow Individual Giving Programs:

• Prepare solicitation asks for both new and renewal donors, and perform solicitations (via email, mail, or phone, as preferred by prospect/donor).
• Manage all benefits of Capitol Club and Leadership Circle individual giving programs.
• Collaborate with Associate Director of Donor Relations to create and execute customized cultivation and ask strategies for each prospect category. Support and perform those stewardship initiatives with the Associate Director, this includes regular email, mail, and phone communications, stewardship activities, donor meetings, etc.
• Work with Associate Director and Development Director to ensure budgeted revenue goals are achieved or exceeded.
• Proactively identify and research for new major and sustaining donor prospects alongside Associate Director of Donor Relations.
• Manage donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and benefit fulfillment to maximize donor engagement and continued support.
• Support external copy and creatives; including email and print.
• Support the Development team with in-person meetings and events as assigned, always working to steward and cultivate key relationships.

Promote Donor Engagement:

• Work with EQCA Boards and committee members to schedule, plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events (~30-100 attendees) throughout the state; including two in each major market outside of our six signature fundraising events (Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and additional markets).
• Assist in the portfolio management of assigned donors and prospects, helping EQCA Boards and staff to cultivate, solicit, and steward external support.
• Foster a positive public image for Equality California and professionally represent EQCA at internal and external activities and events.
• Maintaining professional relationships with local, statewide, and national LGBTQ and allied agencies and collaborators.

Reporting/Finance:

• Support maintenance of current, accurate records of all donor information and correspondence in EveryAction, ActBlue, and additional platforms.
• Work to enhance moves management standard operating procedures.
• Assist with regular progress reports to the management staff and Board.
• Participate in the development of annual expense and revenue budgets by proactively tracking pledges and contributions accurately in donor management database.

Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Applicants for this position should bring the following knowledge, abilities, and attitude:

• At least 3 years of experience in the following types of programs required: donor relations, telefunding, individual giving, major gifts, and/or sponsorships.
• A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Highest level of professionalism when working with both internally and external stakeholders.
• Reliable transportation with the ability to travel frequently to major markets throughout California and Nevada is required. This position will be expected to travel at least 25% of the time.
• Capacity to work outside normal business hours to meet the stewardship needs of the organization.
• Database management experience required (EveryAction and Actblue Preferred, Asana a plus)
• Knowledge, passion, and commitment to addressing issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community as well as advancing equity and social justice generally.
• A positive attitude and willingness to work collaboratively and in support of Equality California’s mission.
• An understanding of and strong commitment to the mission of the organization and proven ability to work effectively across cultures, positions, and industries with the highest degree of professionalism and grace.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a salaried, full-time exempt position with a salary range of $65,000 – $75,000 commensurate with experience and includes competitive benefits (healthcare, dental, vision, long/short term disability, life insurance, and 401K). This position will require a flexible schedule including evening and weekend work time, as well as regular travel across California and Nevada. Applicants will be reimbursed for mileage and must have a reliable vehicle and be able to drive in California. This position will also include participation in Equality California’s schedule of events, including Pride festivals, advocacy events, and more.

To apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@eqca.org with the subject line “Donor Relations Manager – [YOUR NAME]” in the subject line of your email.

Policies at Equality California

Equality California is an equal employment opportunity employer. Equality California does not make employment decisions or discriminate based on protected characteristics including, but not limited to, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles (which includes, but is not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, locks, and twists)), creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, gender (including gender identity and/or gender expression), sexual orientation, age, disability (physical or mental, citizenship, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision making, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, and federal law. We strongly encourage diverse candidates to apply, including, but not limited to, women, people of color, people of diverse gender identities, and non-LGBTQ+ allies.

Qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the California Consumer Reporting Agencies Act and Los Angeles’s Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All employees must be up to date on their vaccination status in compliance with Equality California’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. New employees must provide documentation as to their vaccination status 48 hours before their start date unless they are approved for an accommodation due to a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief.