Manager, Philanthropy

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Fundraising:

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level, major, and Women United donors and prospects.
• Steward Legacy Society donors with personalized engagement and care.
• Support the Women United Cabinet with meeting coordination, agenda development, and event execution.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Partnerships team on workplace campaign events and donor communications.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts in alignment with UWGKC’s strategic fundraising vision.

Relationship Management:

• Build authentic relationships with donors and prospects, grounded in trust-based philanthropy.
• Conduct face-to-face visits to cultivate and steward donor relationships.
• Implement strategies for discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship using portfolio management best practices.
• Uphold the AFP Code of Ethical Standards for fundraising professionals.
• Partner with Marketing to enhance donor engagement through events and storytelling.
• Communicate UWGKC’s mission and impact to inspire undesignated and planned gift commitments.
• Foster strong internal relationships across all levels of the organization.

Operational Excellence:

• Contribute to a positive, results-driven, donor-centric culture aligned with UWGKC’s strategic and financial goals.
• Prepare clear and timely progress reports with accountability for outcomes.
• Monitor progress toward goals, identify barriers, and propose solutions to close gaps.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and next steps in Salesforce.
• Ensure timely processing and acknowledgment of all donations.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines consistently.

Annual Goals:

• Achieve annual fundraising and engagement targets, including donor visits and portfolio activity.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure individual goals align with broader organizational objectives.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred in Philanthropic Studies, Public Administration, Business, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or related field. Equivalent professional experience (minimum 3 years) in development or fundraising will also be considered.
• Fundraising Experience: Basic understanding of fundraising principles and practices. Demonstrated experience in donor solicitation, stewardship, and support is preferred.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and committee members. Experience in committee management and volunteer engagement is a plus.
• Project & Performance Management: Strong skills in preparing, explaining, and monitoring performance metrics. Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of donors and volunteers, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to influence and build trust. Known for sustaining long-term, impactful relationships.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, credibly, and knowledgeably with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated success in project management with a high degree of reliability, thoroughness, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms is preferred.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Core Competencies

• Catalyst: A change agent who actively convenes partnerships with others who offer diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive community transformation and foster mission goals.
• Achievement: Driven to make a difference – actively sets challenging stretch goals – passionately and purposely aims to achieve them; demonstrating adaptability and perseverance.
• Responsive: Can be counted on to do what he or she says will be done. Models a consultative engagement approach in all interactions developing relationships both internally and externally, brings the “right” stakeholders into decisions and actions; and resolves conflicts respectfully.
• Excellence: Invests in continuously learning, generously shares knowledge and strives to do the right thing in all endeavors to positively reflect the UWGKC brand and mission.
• Solutions: Exhibits fierce resolve to understand root issues that impact achievement of results. Collaborates to devise creative, innovative solutions to optimize outcomes for those we serve.

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Manager plays a key role in advancing United Way of Greater Kansas City’s mission by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, supporting volunteer leadership, and contributing to a culture of trust-based, donor-centered fundraising. This position is ideal for a dynamic, early-career fundraising professional who is eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.