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Donor Relations Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

McLaren

Vice President Philanthropy

Petoskey, MI · On-site

Ensures quality, financial, and donor relations objectives are met. 20. Maintains safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complies with legal codes and regulations ...

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Donor Relations Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$27.9K

$52.3K

$76.7K

How much do donor relations assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for donor relations assistant in Michigan is $52,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a donor relations assistant?

Donor Relations Assistants are professionals who support organizations in building and maintaining relationships with donors. They handle administrative tasks such as managing donor databases, preparing acknowledgment letters, organizing events, and assisting with fundraising campaigns. Their role is vital in ensuring that donors feel appreciated and informed, which helps encourage ongoing support. Donor Relations Assistants often work closely with fundraising and development teams to achieve organizational goals.

What does a donor relations assistant do?

A typical day for a Donor Relations Assistant involves managing donor databases, preparing acknowledgment letters, assisting with event planning, and ensuring accurate record-keeping. The role is highly collaborative, often working with fundraising, marketing, and finance teams to coordinate donor communications and support stewardship initiatives. Donor Relations Assistants are frequently tasked with responding to donor inquiries and providing administrative support to ensure a positive donor experience. This position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a donor relations assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Donor Relations Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in fundraising or nonprofit administration, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with donor management databases like Raiser's Edge or Salesforce, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, customer service orientation, and discretion in handling sensitive information help professionals stand out in this role. These skills are vital for maintaining positive donor relationships, ensuring data accuracy, and supporting the organization's fundraising goals.

What is the difference between Donor Relations Assistant vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectDonor Relations AssistantFundraising Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related fieldsUsually requires a bachelor's degree, often with experience in fundraising or nonprofit work
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, educational institutionsNonprofits, charitable organizations, community groups
Primary FocusManaging donor communications, acknowledgments, and relationship buildingPlanning and executing fundraising campaigns and events
Common Search IntentDonor Relations Assistant vs Fundraising Coordinator

The Donor Relations Assistant primarily focuses on maintaining relationships with donors through communication and stewardship, while the Fundraising Coordinator is responsible for planning and implementing fundraising initiatives. Both roles often work within nonprofit settings and require similar educational backgrounds, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Donor Relations jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Donor Relations jobs in Michigan are:

Donor Relations Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Donor Relations Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,263 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Donor Services Manager

Lansing, MI • On-site

Catholic Diocese of Lansing
See more jobs at Catholic Diocese of Lansingexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Catholic Foundation serving the Church in the Diocese of Lansing is seeking a Donor Services Manager. This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Development Officer of The Catholic Foundation and will supervise the Donor Services staff, both permanent and temporary.
General Summary: The Donor Services Manager plays a vital role in advancing the mission of The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lansing by ensuring excellence in donor relations, prompt and accurate gift processing and acknowledgments, data entry, and data integrity. This position collaborates closely with the Development Officer and executive staff.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide accurate data entry for all donor gifts.
  • Process, record, and reconcile all pledges, payments, and donations - ensuring the quality and integrity of data for accurate analytical and financial reporting.
  • Maintain files for gift documentation and related correspondence.
  • Prepare gift acknowledgment letters and year-end gift statements for tax purposes.
  • Perform acknowledgement of gifts in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Handle donor inquiries received by mail, telephone, or email with utmost professionalism.
  • Assist in managing relationships with donors and with diocesan leadership, especially pastors, principals, and other Catholic leaders.
  • Communicate and interact with donors, parish and diocesan staff, clergy and volunteers regarding database records, and donations made to the Foundation to support the mission of the Church. Solve problems when necessary.
  • Train, supervise, and lead Donor Services staff and volunteers, both permanent and temporary.
  • Assist the Foundation and Diocesan staff by creating and running reports to obtain general or specific information about fundraising activities and results.
  • Interact with accounting staff when necessary regarding deposit or donor issues.
  • Work with vendors involved with campaign, appeal, or development office activities.
  • Develop and maintain routine and custom lists for pledge reminders and office mailings and utilize database for labels/letters.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Education: High school diploma is required. Bachelor's or Associate's degree is preferred.
Experience: Three or more years of donor service/customer relations experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrable ability to prioritize and work independently, strong written and verbal communications skills including attention to detail and accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge software is strongly preferred.
Require: Ability to prioritize tasks, learn quickly, work independently and maintain confidentiality is required. Must have excellent phone skills and be able to maintain composure, flexibility, and a commitment to donor service and satisfaction. A fully supportive attitude toward the Catholic Church and her teachings.
Physical Demands: While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls. The position also requires some standing, stooping, and bending. Must be able to lift and move up to 40 pounds. Employee is expected to work onsite, Monday through Friday.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.
To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the online application.

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