The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.
Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship, the Donor Relations Coordinator works closely with the Development team to support the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Walker donors. This position serves as the first line of communication with donors ($250 and above) and oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the Development Department.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Services
- Serve as the main contact for donors via phone and email, and provide prompt, friendly, and professional communication; coordinate follow-ups and share donor communications with others as appropriate or needed for next steps.
- Manage the delivery of tangible benefits for donors and coordinate as needed with Executive Director’s office, programming departments, and Visitor Experience staff.
- Manage concierge services for donors.
- Manage the monthly fulfillment process and other benefits for donors as needed or assigned.
Development Administration and Operations
- Manage gift processing to ensure accurate records for donations, including individual gifts, grant agreements, sponsorship contracts, and in-kind donations.
- Manage donor pledge forms, reminders, invoices, payment confirmations and gift acknowledgement processes.
- Serve as a primary liaison to the Finance department to ensure accurate records and reconciliation.
- Manage pledge collection, reporting, and tracking systems at fiscal year-end, coordinating donor communication and follow-ups with Development team. Support Member Relations Coordinator in managing daily deposits and member fulfillment by providing back up as needed.
Development Records and Reporting
- Manage Development department data and records, ensuring accurate, thorough, and timely recording of donor information and interactions in Tessitura and other Development files.
- Manage Tessitura reports and donor lists, including donor lists in the Annual Report, Annual Donor Panel, website, WALKER Magazine, and other publications.
- Coordinate reporting of fiscal year results in the Development Yearbook, Institutional Vital Signs, and board activity reports.
- Coordinate Development department highlights for board meetings.
Donor Event Communication and Registration
- Collaborate to ensure excellent pre- and post-event communication and onsite experiences for current and prospective donors.
- Process event payments and provide administrative support for donor events.
- Participate in and assist with preparation and implementation of donor events, including welcoming guests at check-in, preparing nametags and signage, and tracking attendance. Oversee gift processing, registration, and dinner experience for the Walker’s annual benefit event.
Other Duties
- Assist with department budgeting and financial reconciliation.
- Participate in cross-departmental meetings and projects as assigned.
- Assist with other departmental duties as needed or assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of three (3) years of donor relations and/or gift processing experience working with individual donors, including events, or equivalent combination of education, training or experience.
- Experience using a CRM database for donation tracking, reporting, and analysis.
- Excellent customer service demeanor and effective communication (both written and oral).
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Strong project management and organization/time-management skills.
- High degree of initiative and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate data and systems to ensure accuracy.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Adobe, etc.).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor events.
Preferred Skills
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working in a museum or arts/non-profit setting.
- Tessitura and/or WordFly experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift and/or move print and event materials (approximately 15 pounds).
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $24.00 hourly. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.
Vaccination Expectation The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs
Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.
Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.