About the Role
The Director of Donor Advancement will advance the mission of My Sister's Place by building meaningful relationships with individual donors and translating program impact into compelling narratives that inspire sustained giving. This position combines frontline fundraising with strategic donor communications, playing a central role in strengthening mid-level and major giving, expanding MSP's donor base, and deepening engagement among supporters at the $1,000 and above level. The ideal candidate brings both the relational skills to cultivate and close gifts and the communications instincts to steward donors through storytelling and impact reporting.
This is a hybrid position expected to be in the office at least 1–2 days per week.
About My Sister’s Place
My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the district's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP is unique in offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.
What You’ll Be Doing
Donor Cultivation and Solicitation
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospects for mid-level and major gifts at the $1,000+ level.
- Build and expand giving circles, fostering a strong sense of community and shared investment in MSP's mission among members.
- Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects, moving relationships forward through intentional, donor-centered engagement.
- Introduce planned giving conversations with appropriate donors, helping to lay the foundation for a legacy giving program over time.
Donor Communications and Stewardship
- Develop compelling donor communications including solicitations, acknowledgments, impact stories, stewardship reports, and program updates.
- Translate program outcomes and survivor impact into narratives that reinforce donor confidence and inspire continued investment.
- Support campaign messaging and multi-channel fundraising communications to strengthen acquisition and retention efforts.
- Plan and coordinate cultivation and stewardship events that recognize donors and deepen their connection to MSP's work.
Collaboration and Operations
- Collaborate with senior leadership, program staff, and the communications team to align fundraising and messaging with organizational priorities.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of donor interactions and portfolio progress within MSP's donor management system.
- Support the Senior Director of Advancement in achieving annual fundraising goals and advancing long-term sustainability.
- Supervise lead and mentor individual giving staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven team culture.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development, donor communications, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with individual donors, with experience supporting or leading solicitations.
- Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to craft donor-centered narratives and campaign materials.
- Experience with CRM or donor management systems (Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or similar).
- Deep commitment to MSP's mission and a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to all donor and stakeholder interactions.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Background Check & Drug Testing Requirements
Employment at My Sister’s Place is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks, including FBI and MPD background checks, TB testing, and drug tests. Additionally, due to grant requirements, employees must maintain updated background checks and screenings as required for their position throughout their employment.
What We're Looking For
At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:
- Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
- Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
- Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
- Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
- Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek someone who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.
My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Pay: $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Sabbatical
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20009
