Donor Engagement Strategist in Merriam, Kansas at Great Plains Spca

Donor Engagement Strategist

Job Description

Class: Non-Exempt Part-Time July 2026

Location: Merriam, Kansas

Reports to: Senior Major Gifts Officer

Salary Range: $50,000

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically? Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary:

The Donor Engagement Strategist plays a crucial role in shaping fundraising strategy at Great Plains SPCA by translating donor insights into clear, actionable direction for fundraisers. This position partners closely with the Senior Major Gifts Officer to inform decision-making, strengthen donor engagement, and drive sustainable revenue growth. With a focus on analytics, prospect strategy, researching donor biographies, and portfolio development, this role ensures fundraising efforts are targeted, data-informed, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Insight & Fundraising Strategy

Serve as a thought partner with the Senior Major Gifts Officer, using donor insights to guide strategic decisionsIdentify opportunities to deepen donor engagement, increase giving, and strengthen long-term retentionTranslate trends in donor behavior into clear recommendations that shape campaigns, major gift strategy, and resource allocation

Segmentation & Targeting Strategy

Develop and refine audience strategies for campaigns, events, and major gift initiativesPartner with fundraising staff to prioritize high-impact opportunities based on capacity, inclination, and engagementAdvance segmentation approaches that improve personalization and overall fundraising performance

Prospect Strategy & Donor Intelligence

Lead proactive identification and qualification of major gift prospectsProvide high-level donor insights, profiles, and briefings to support relationship-building by fundraisers and leadershipBring forward emerging opportunities through analysis of donor trends and external intelligence

Pipeline & Portfolio Strategy

Partner with fundraisers to shape and strengthen donor portfolios through hosting quarterly portfolio review meetingsProvide strategic guidance on pipeline health, movement, and prioritizationSupport a disciplined, relationship-centered moves management approach across the team

Performance Analytics & Reporting

Deliver clear, forward-looking analysis on fundraising performance, including key metrics related to retention, growth, and revenueCreate weekly fundraising reportsRe-capping fundraising campaigns through a data lensEquip leadership with insights needed for forecasting and strategic planning
• Communicate complex data in a way that drives clarity, alignment, and action
• Other duties as needed
• Participate with end of day pet help to support daily animal care operations.

Key Capabilities

Strategic thinker who turns insight into action and shapes key decisions Agile and solutions-focused, able to adjust quickly as priorities evolve Brings an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong sense of ownership Uses data and judgment to navigate complexity and ambiguity Translates complexity into clarity, enabling confident decision-making Communicates effectively across audiences, especially non-technical stakeholders Builds strong partnerships to advance shared goals