Fundraising, Philanthropy, & Donor Engagement Specialist.

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) works to create the opportunity for all members of our community to have a better life. We focus on the building blocks of a good life — a quality education, financial stability for individuals and families, and good health. The work of UWBG focuses on strategic initiatives, public education, advocacy, outcomes and evaluation, development and strengthening of partnerships/collaborations, convening, resource mobilization and investment as well as backbone and engagement strategies and activities. We bring together the voices, the expertise, and the resources to define, articulate and implement a common agenda for change for our region. That is what it means to "Live United" in Central Kentucky.

POSITION

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) is building a strong pipeline of fundraising and donor engagement talent for current and future openings. The Fundraising & Donor Engagement Specialist supports UWBG’s revenue growth and donor relationship strategy by cultivating prospects, stewarding donors, and helping execute fundraising initiatives across corporate, workplace, and individual giving.

This role is ideal for relationship-builders who enjoy connecting mission to impact, expanding networks, and turning engagement into measurable fundraising results. Depending on organizational needs and candidate strengths, responsibilities may emphasize one or more areas including workplace campaigns, corporate partnerships, individual giving, affinity groups, sponsorships, or special events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Contribute to fundraising strategies that meet or exceed annual revenue goals.
   
• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate, workplace, and/or individual donors (portfolio scope determined by assignment).
   
• Conduct donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, including preparing asks and follow-up communications.
   
• Support workplace giving efforts, including campaign planning, execution, and relationship management with employee champions.
   
• Identify and pursue new donor prospects, sponsorship opportunities, and business development leads.
   

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, community stakeholders, and volunteers.
   
• Provide consistent donor communication, impact reporting, and recognition to strengthen retention.
   
• Represent UWBG at meetings, presentations, community events, and partner engagements.
   
• Collaborate with internal teams to connect donors with mission outcomes and engagement opportunities.
   

Campaigns, Events & Sponsorship Support

• Assist with planning and implementation of fundraising events and community campaigns.
   
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and donor recognition (e.g., benefits delivery, signage, acknowledgments, event hosting support).
   
• Partner with marketing/communications to develop materials, donor messaging, and campaign content.
   

Data, Reporting & Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in UWBG’s CRM system.
   
• Track outreach, donor interactions, pipeline activity, and progress toward revenue goals.
   
• Support forecasting, revenue reporting, and performance updates as requested.

CORE UNITED WAY COMPETENCIES

MISSION-FOCUSED - A top priority is to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This competency drives performance and professional motivations.

RELATIONSHIP ORIENTED - Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.

COLLABORATOR - Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.

RESULTS-DRIVEN - Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good, creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact. 

BRAND STEWARD - A steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMPETENCIES

EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING - Is donor-focused and results-driven, with a relentless focus on gaining financial resources to support United Way’s mission and community impact strategic objectives. Sets ambitious yet realistic goals; Connects donors’ and prospects’ interests directly to United Way’s work. Creates a strong case for support and successfully “sells” the idea, program, or funding opportunity to donor and/or supporter. Inspires commitment and support for United Way. 

STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT - Develops and maintains strategic relationships that generate the financial resources necessary to support United Way’s mission. Builds trust and donor commitment to United Way. Creates win-win relationships; engages with donors year-round, not just during campaign season, to nurture and enhance relationships. Displays cultural knowledge and sensitivities and applies that knowledge to fundraising efforts. Is visible with donors and community leaders.  

ENTREPRENEURIAL AND INNOVATIVE – Creatively seeks new opportunities to generate revenue and other resources that add greater value to the organization and the community including the ability to understand and contribute to the product development process, able to assess donor’s interest, and accurately convey those to cross-functional team. Identifies, anticipates, and adapts to changing market trends and business needs. Understands challenges and opportunities in the business environment; Focuses on continuous improvement.  

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SALES - Plans, implements, and evaluates business development and sales efforts. Uses multiple methods and various sources of information to identify and approach prospective donors and maintains positive relationships with existing donors. Collaborates with Community Impact Department (CI). Engages CI in donor engagement and fundraising by learning details of current community impact solutions. Shares information with CI about donor needs and interests to improve existing products and create new ones.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., business, communications, nonprofit management) or equivalent relevant experience.
   
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, sales, account management, donor engagement, and/or relationship-based work.
   
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to present confidently to individuals and groups.
   
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
   
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
   
• Ability to occasionally work evenings/weekends for events and campaigns.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, sales, or donor relationship management.
   
• Experience in nonprofit development, corporate partnerships, or workplace giving.
   
• CRM experience (Andar preferred, but not required).
   
• Alignment with and enthusiasm for UWBG’s mission and community impact work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. This position will be primarily based out of the central UWBG office.  This position requires regular travel between throughout the communities we serve. 

EXPECTED WORK HOURS

Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. Flextime hours must be approved by your manager. Must be willing to work a non-standard work schedule, including nights, weekends, and other unusual hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must regularly communicate clearly, in oral and written formats, with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. The employee must be able to transcribe, read extensively, prepare, and analyze data and figures, and operate a computer and other standard office machinery. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 25 lbs. 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by UWBG. These screenings may include a national background check, language testing, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.

BENEFITS

Our robust benefits package includes 100% employer-paid premiums on employee-only health, dental, and vision plans; 3%-6% employer contributions to 401(k), employer-paid life/STD

SALARY

$50,000 to $60,000 Annually