Donor Relations Specialist (Mid-Level Donor Portfolio)

Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing free travel and accommodations to ensure all Canadians can access essential medical care, regardless of distance or cost.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Annual Giving, the Donor Relations Specialist plays a key role in strengthening relationships with donors and supporting long-term fundraising outcomes.

This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-level donors, while also contributing to a consistent and thoughtful stewardship experience across the broader donor community.

Through personalized outreach, donor recognition, responsive communication, and relationship-building, the Donor Relations Specialist helps improve donor retention, increase engagement, and support upgrades in giving.

This position is remote or hybrid (with occasional travel as required) and requires strong autonomy, organization, and comfort working independently while staying closely connected to a collaborative fundraising team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mid-Level Donor Portfolio Management

Manage and steward a defined portfolio of mid-level donors through personalized engagement, with clear accountability for donor retention, renewal, and measurable growth in giving, including upgrades within the portfolio where appropriate.
Build and maintain long-term donor relationships through regular, meaningful touchpoints (phone, email, mail, and occasional meetings).
Drive donor retention and renewal efforts, while identifying and acting on upgrade opportunities.
Track donor engagement and ensure timely follow-up aligned with stewardship plans.
Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Annual Giving and Chief Development Officer on donor strategy for assigned relationships.

2. Donor Stewardship & Engagement

Contribute to stewardship activities across donor segments, including entry-level, monthly, mid-level, and major donors.
Deliver timely and thoughtful thank-you communications (calls, emails, and written notes).
Respond to donor inquiries with professionalism, care, and responsiveness.
Support donor recognition and gratitude initiatives across the organization.
Ensure donors feel valued, appreciated, and meaningfully connected to impact.

3. Communications & Donor Content

Draft, personalize, and edit donor-facing communications including thank-you messages, emails, impact updates, and stewardship materials (for assigned portfolio).
Translate organizational impact into clear, donor-centered messaging.
Collaborate with internal teams to gather content and stories that support donor engagement.

4. CRM, Data & Reporting

Maintain accurate and timely records in Salesforce, including donor interactions, notes, and follow-up actions.
Ensure portfolio activity is consistently tracked and updated.
Generate reports related to assigned donor portfolio activity and outcomes.
Support data integrity and CRM best practices within assigned responsibilities.

5. Team Collaboration & Support

Work closely with the Fund Development team to support aligned donor engagement strategies.
Provide input on donor behaviour, engagement trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Participate in planning and continuous improvement of stewardship practices.
Provide occasional support for gift processing coverage when required (shared responsibility across team)

Qualifications & Experience

Post-secondary education in fundraising, communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or equivalent experience.
Minimum 3 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, customer relationship management, or similar relationship-based role.
Strong experience managing relationships or portfolios independently.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to adapt tone to different audiences.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a remote environment.
Comfortable working independently with a high degree of accountability.
Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce an asset).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Work Environment

Remote or hybrid work arrangement available, Toronto or Vancouver area based preferred.
Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or donor engagement activities.
Flexible, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.

What Success Looks Like

Mid-level donors feel personally known, appreciated, and connected.
Strong retention and renewal rates within assigned portfolio.
Increased donor engagement and upgrade activity.
High-quality, timely stewardship communication.
Accurate CRM data supporting strong relationship management.
Consistent contribution to a positive and donor-centered experience across the organization.
Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and ownership of donor relationships.

Why This Role Matters

This role helps ensure that donors experience meaningful connection to the impact they make. By building strong relationships with mid-level supporters and contributing to thoughtful stewardship across the donor community, the Donor Relations Specialist plays an important role in sustaining and growing philanthropic support.

Working at Hope Air:

Salary: $48,000 - $53,000
Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and paramedical coverage
Team bonus plan based on performance and achievement.
35 hour work week. Remote or hybrid work arrangement available (Toronto or Vancouver area candidates may work in a hybrid schedule including 1 day in office). Occasional in-person meetings/events required.
Open and supportive team environment where your ideas are valued.
Generous vacation leave with support for professional development.
Celebrate your birthday with an extra day off.
Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
Regular team-building activities and social events.
Be part of a team of passionate staff, volunteers, and supporters dedicated to making a difference.
A holiday closure to relax and spend time with family & friends.

Why Join Hope Air?

Healthcare is universal in Canada—but access is not. Many Canadians must delay or forgo medical care due to travel costs. By joining Hope Air, you play a vital role in helping thousands access the care they need, when and where they need it.