Philanthropy Engagement Associate

LSS of South Dakota

Philanthropy Engagement Associate strengthening donor relationships through strategic engagement and events for Lutheran Social Services. Leading donor acquisition and retention efforts to achieve fundraising goals.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeSioux Falls • South Dakota • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in donor engagement and fundraising strategies, with a strong focus on event planning, donor retention, and effective communication. Proficient in utilizing donor management software and analyzing engagement metrics to inform strategic decisions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Donor Management SoftwareEvent PlanningFundraising StrategiesEmail Marketing PlatformsVolunteer Coordination

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Donor EngagementFundraisingEvent ManagementDigital AnalyticsData EntryReportingSegmentationEngagement MetricsStewardship Best PracticesLogistics Management

Soft Skills

Organizational AbilitiesTime ManagementCommunication SkillsLeadershipCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Raiser’s EdgeBloomerangEmail Marketing PlatformsDirect-Mail Processes

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit ManagementDonor AcquisitionDonor RetentionStewardshipVolunteer Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Strengthens donor relationships by designing and delivering strategic engagement, stewardship, and event experiences that deepen connection
Leads the planning and execution of fundraising and stewardship events
Coordinates donor engagement activities
Partners with the Vice President of Mission Advancement and the Director of Marketing & Communications to create compelling donor centric communications
Leads donor acquisition efforts, enhances donor retention, and contributes significantly to the annual fundraising goals of the organization
Demonstrated expertise in event planning, strong organizational and time management abilities, and coordination of volunteers and donor centered stewardship
Competence in email-marketing platforms, direct-mail processes, and digital analytics for engagement metrics
Proficient in donor management and fundraising software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang) for data entry, reporting, segmentation, and maintaining data integrity
Ability to develop and interpret engagement metrics and dashboards to inform strategy
Solid understanding of fundraising industry practices, including donor acquisition, stewardship, and retention best practices
Manage small group and virtual engagement opportunities, including tours, impact briefings, and program touchpoints
Lead or support signature events, ensuring strong logistics, volunteer coordination, and donor centered stewardship

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management, event management, hospitality, business, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in donor engagement, fundraising, event management, communications, or nonprofit operations
Previous experience supervising and coordinating volunteers preferred
Prior experience using donor management systems (e.g. Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang) preferred
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must have a valid auto-insurance, a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one for approved driver status.
Must successfully complete all agency background checks, which include checks for criminal convictions, behavior harmful towards children, spousal abuse, and drug or sex crimes, is required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

$600 hiring bonus* external candidates only
PTO Time Frontload Up to 24 Hours for benefit-eligible employees
8 Paid Holidays
401(k) 3% match
Four Wellmark BCBS medical plan options, with HSA & FSA options
Dental and Vision plans
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family
Career development opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility