The Manager, Sustained Giving at USA for UNHCR is responsible for developing and managing strategies to increase donor retention and grow the organization’s sustained, regular giving program. This position will play a crucial role in deepening relationships with individual donors by cultivating ongoing support through monthly, quarterly and other recurring giving mechanisms. The Manager will work cross-functionally with the direct response, communications and stewardship teams to create and execute campaigns that engage, retain, and upgrade donors.
The ideal candidate will be data-driven, donor-centric and adept at acquiring and retaining meaningful, long-term donor relationships, ensuring a steady and sustainable revenue stream for the organization’s mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the sustainer giving strategy, and in partnership with the direct response team, ensure the implementation, and optimization of the sustained giving program to enhance RG donor retention, grow and retain recurring donors and revenue while managing the budget for the program.
- Develop innovative strategies to acquire new monthly and sustained donors through multi-channel direct response campaigns, including digital, in-person (F2F) and telemarketing outreach.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of Individual Giving to set program goals, KPIs, and budgets, while identifying opportunities for growth.
- Create personalized donor journeys for sustaining donors, ensuring consistent and meaningful communication to foster loyalty and long-term revenue and engagement.
- Develop and manage retention strategies, including stewardship touchpoints, upgrades, lapsed donor reactivation and milestone acknowledgments.
- Partner with the Stewardship team to strategize and develop donor recognition program tailored specifically for recurring donors, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission.
- Lead the planning and analysis of sustained giving campaigns, collaborating with the IG Direct Response team (both offline and online) and USA for UNHCR Communications team to deliver multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
- In coordination with the digital and offline teams, design engaging content and launch regular giving acquisition, upgrade and recapture appeals, crafting messaging that highlights the ongoing impact of donors’ contributions.
- Optimize campaigns using data insights and A/B testing to improve conversion rates, upgrade rates, recapture rate and donor retention.
- Analyze donor data to monitor trends in donor retention, engagement and lifetime value, making data-driven decisions to improve sustained giving outcomes.
- Prepare regular reports on program performance, including retention rates, churn rates, and revenue generated from sustained giving.
- Collaborate with data and operations teams to ensure accurate donor records and reporting, and recommend adjustments based on insights.
- Work with Supporter Relations to ensure a seamless donor experience, including prompt acknowledgment and resolution of donor inquiries.
- Support the overall fundraising team by providing insights on sustained giving trends and best practices to help inform broader development strategies.
- Identify new opportunities for donor acquisition and retention through emerging platforms, tools and trends in the nonprofit sector.
- Collaborate with the Integrated Partnership team to pilot innovative approaches to donor engagement, including peer-to-peer, influencer partnerships and grassroots initiatives tailored for sustained giving.
- Test new messaging, gift structures and donor journeys to increase conversion and upgrade rates for sustained donors.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations in all aspects of the RG donor program.
- Other duties as assigned
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 6-8 years of experience in fundraising, direct marketing, or donor relations, with at least 2 years focused on sustained giving or donor retention. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- In lieu of education/degree requirements, a successful candidate will have:
- Proven success in managing donor programs, including acquiring, retaining, and upgrading recurring donors.
- Strong data and analytical skills, using insights to improve fundraising campaigns.
- Experience with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Engaging Networks) to track and optimize giving programs.
- Ability to create engaging donor experiences that build long-term commitment and support.
- Demonstrated success in growing sustained giving programs and improving donor retention rates.
- Strong understanding of direct response fundraising, donor lifecycle management, and multichannel marketing.
- Experience analyzing donor data and implementing data-driven strategies for program optimization.
- Proficiency in using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.) and online donation platforms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience crafting compelling donor messages.
- Familiarity with the international development or humanitarian sector is a plus.
- Deep understanding of the motivations and expectations of sustained donors, with a focus on delivering personalized, impactful experiences.
- Adept at cultivating strong relationships with individual donors, internal teams, and external partners.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns and priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to use data and analytics to inform strategies, track success, and make program improvements.
- Innovative and resourceful, with the ability to develop new ideas to engage and retain donors.
- Value diversity and take pride in cultivating an atmosphere of inclusion and various perspectives
WORK LOCATION
Hybrid + Washington, DC + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region of operations and select donor locations.
COMPENSATION
$86,106 – $103,328
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply.
Featured benefits
Medical insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k), Dental insurance, Paid maternity leave, Paid paternity leave, Commuter benefits, Disability insurance