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Donor Relations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Donor Relations Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$27.9K

$52.3K

$76.7K

How much do donor relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for donor relations manager 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 does a donor relations manager do?

A donor relations manager performs a variety of duties related to fundraising for an organization. As a donor relations manager, you work with other people in management and marketing to determine goals and strategies to increase donations to your organization or company. You typically work on a development team and manage projects to help employees reach fundraising goals for the department. Job duties include maintaining relationships with donors and prospects, developing stewardship plans, and coming up with new ways to thank and recognize donors. Qualifications for this career include prior experience managing donor campaigns, strong communication and organizational skills, and a creative mindset.

What does a donor relations manager do?

A Donor Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with donors to ensure ongoing support for an organization, typically a nonprofit. They develop and implement strategies to thank, recognize, and engage donors, keeping them informed about the impact of their gifts. Their work often involves organizing events, managing donor communications, and overseeing donor databases to ensure accurate records. The goal is to foster donor loyalty and encourage continued and increased giving.

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

To thrive as a Donor Relations Manager, you need expertise in fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, and relationship management, often supported by a degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce and knowledge of donor database management are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to build trust are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective donor engagement, long-term support, and the achievement of fundraising goals for the organization.

How does a donor relations manager typically collaborate with other departments to enhance donor engagement?

A Donor Relations Manager works closely with fundraising, marketing, and program teams to ensure consistent and meaningful communication with donors. They often coordinate with these departments to create impactful stewardship materials, share updates on organizational initiatives, and plan donor appreciation events. This collaborative approach helps align messaging, maximize donor satisfaction, and identify new engagement opportunities, ultimately strengthening donor relationships and retention.

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

AspectDonor Relations ManagerFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in donor relations or developmentBachelor's degree, experience in fundraising or event planning
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, educational institutionsNonprofits, community organizations, event-based settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofit fundraising, development departmentsCommon in nonprofit and charitable event planning
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in donor engagement and relationship managementIndividuals exploring roles in fundraising and event coordination

The Donor Relations Manager primarily focuses on building and maintaining relationships with donors to ensure ongoing support, while the Fundraising Coordinator handles planning and executing fundraising events and campaigns. Both roles are essential in nonprofit development but differ in their core responsibilities and daily tasks.

More about Donor Relations Manager jobs

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

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

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For Donor Relations Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Michigan with the most Donor Relations Manager job openings:

Donor Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Donor Relations Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,263 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Donor Relations Director

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

The Salvation Army Central Territory
Non-Profits • 5 - 10K employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

597th of 781 rated non-profit organizations

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Learn more about The Salvation Army Central Territoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

At The Salvation Army our employees are the heartbeat of our mission. We foster a community of passionate people dedicated to changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.
Position Summary: The Donor Relations Director (DRD) plays a key and integral role in the success of the Great Lakes Division's fund development efforts, specifically through ongoing and proactive relationship management, strategic communications plans, gifts cultivation and solicitation activity with an assigned portfolio of qualified major donors. In this role, the DRD will identify, qualify, be assigned, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors, acting as the primary contact with The Salvation Army and the assigned portfolio, with an emphasis on securing gifts of $5,000 and much higher, increasing major gifts to The Salvation Army while retaining and strengthening existing giving.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • The DRD establishes, manages and fulfills a portfolio communications plan, including individual fundraising goals and personalized strategies, to effectively steward, educate, cultivate and solicit gifts from major donors each fiscal year, with an emphasis on gifts of $5,000 and higher.
  • Manages a portfolio of 150 assigned and qualified major donors and will maintain and seek to engage prospective donors as assigned or identified, following the agreed upon communications plan that is specific to each donor and prospect and working, as appropriate, with donor leadership volunteers to secure visits with those in their peer networks who are assigned.
  • Works diligently to meet agreed upon monthly and annual activity and income production goals and is purposeful about every visit and communication and the desired outcome for each "touch."
  • Leads in one-to-one solicitation, gift acknowledgement and stewardship communication, traveling as necessary, establishing and maintaining excellent donor relations, providing written proposals to major gift prospects as needed, and including Army and/or volunteer leadership as appropriate.
  • Works with prospect research manager at THQ and local staff who are trained to do research to develop donor profiles to inform "moves management" strategies and planning conversations.
  • Meets regularly with Senior Donor Relations Director to discuss and refine portfolio plans, donor strategies, track progress, receive coaching, and keep open lines of communication.
  • Participates in recommended professional trainings as budget allows, conference calls with other major gifts staff, conference kindred sessions and other professional development opportunities.
  • Works in close conjunction with other fund development officers, pursuing and contributing to harmonious collaboration between direct marketing, social media, foundation, corporation, and planned giving staff for optimal integrated strategies in regard to major donor communications as well as overall divisional initiatives.
  • Works in close collaboration with local officers, program, finance and fundraising staff to present local Army resource development needs that correspond to where donors and prospects reside, while always being responsive to each donor's interests (even if elsewhere) and attentive to fiduciary responsibilities (donor intent with gifts).
  • Works in collaboration with program, finance, development and graphic design / communications, and admin support staff to develop a portfolio of giving opportunities (cases for support) that documents funding needs in terms of real program costs, how dollars impact people, outcomes being (and which could be) achieved, shortfalls and exciting mission advancement opportunities. Presents these opportunities to donors to effectively match donor interests with Army service delivery advancement needs.
  • Makes it a priority to take donors on site visits to tour Army programs and to facilitate face-to-face briefings of donors by Army leaders.
  • Supports and contributes to, as requested, overall territorial policies, business practices and strategies to continually increase major gifts revenue and program growth.
  • Keeps management apprised of all significant interactions, inputting contact reports in the donor database system as required, sharing a continually updated itinerary, fulfilling all monthly and other reporting requirements, and consulting with leadership when needed to understand organizational priorities, to develop strategies that benefit both donor and the Army, and to troubleshoot challenging situations.
  • Stays driven toward goals and focused on portfolio development/management, but makes effective use of volunteer opportunities, events and other initiatives to engage with assigned donors, to bring them closer to the Army, and to deepen their awareness of the impact of our work, especially in areas of interest. Participates in such opportunities alongside portfolio constituents.
  • Manages all office systems related to DRD duties, including maintaining updated donor files, correspondence and gift acknowledgments, etc., in keeping with department policies and procedures. Documents all donor interactions through contact reports and according to established business practices. Carries out any office and computer-related tasks important to fulfilling the goals of the position.
  • Ensures excellent customer service is provided to donors through accessibility to staff and leadership (as granted), timely responsiveness, quality in all interactions and personalized communications.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree or comparable experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Five years of experience in a non-profit fundraising role with a proven track record of major gifts success.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
  • Maintain strict confidentiality
  • Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment without extensive admin support.
  • Must keep good documentation through contact reports and activity tracking, according to Salvation Army protocols.
  • Proven expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals, including executives, leadership volunteers and wealthy donors, as well as internal stakeholders and leadership.

Computer Skills:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
  • Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
  • Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses:
  • Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed
  • Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)

The Salvation Army offers the following benefits:
  • Health Care Benefits which include:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Hearing
    • Flexible spending accounts
    • AFLAC
    • Voluntary life insurance benefits
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
  • Pet Insurance
  • Pension contributions (currently 6.0% of your earnings) begin the first quarter after 1 year of employment.
    • Vesting starts after three years of employment, 100% vested after five years of employment
  • The Salvation Army also offers a 403(b) voluntary retirement savings plan in which you may participate immediately, with approved vendors. There is currently no organizational match for 403(b) contributions.
  • Employee Discounts
  • Paid Time Off which includes:
    • Sick days begin accruing the first of the month following 30 days of employment and you may begin to use accrued sick days once available.
      • Up to (6) earned sick days per year may be used as discretionary days.
    • Vacation begins accruing the first of the month after one full calendar month after employment begins, and you may begin to use vacation days after (90) days of employment.
    • The accrual rate is based upon years of service and approved hours worked.
    • You will receive up to 2 personal days per year based on date of hire.
    • Birthday off with pay.
    • Paid holidays are effective immediately.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.
Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Salvation Army logo

About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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