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.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving and Operations, the Donor Relations Coordinator provides critical support for the Development Department to ensure that donors to the Walker Art Center receive the highest quality experience and service. The Donor Relations Coordinator serves as the first line of communication with donors and oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the Development Department. The Donor Relations Coordinator also supports the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of the Walker’s individual and institutional donors.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

I. Provide excellent customer service to Walker donors.

II. Maintain a solid understanding of the Walker’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, programs, and priorities.

•  Serve as the main contact for donors, providing prompt, friendly, and professional communication via telephone, email, and written correspondence.
•  Share donor communications with fellow staff members and coordinate follow-ups as appropriate.

III. Accurately process and document donor gifts, pledges, grant agreements, and sponsorship contracts.

•  Proactively ensure all contributions are deposited, acknowledged, and fulfilled in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner.
•  Process, track, and acknowledge all planned gifts, in-kind gifts of art, pledges, pledge forms, reminders, invoices, and payment confirmations.
•  Coordinate critical details related to gifts and pledges with appropriate Development and Finance staff.
•  Conduct monthly reviews of the general ledger from the Finance department to ensure accurate records and reconciliations.
•  Support Member Relations Coordinator in managing daily deposits and member fulfillment as needed.

IV. Provide administrative and logistical support for donor events.

•  Coordinate print invitation mailings and reminder emails.
•  Coordinate and manage event registrations and guest lists, invitation mailings, RSVP tracking, and other event communications.
•  Prepare event collateral, including nametags, signage, place cards, etc.
•  Support planning and execution of departmental events.

V. Manage donor benefits fulfillment and concierge services.

•  Coordinate tangible benefits and manage art fair VIP credentials.
•  Fulfill other benefits for donors as needed or assigned.

VI. Coordinate Annual Fund renewals ($250 and above) and support the solicitation appeals.

•  Work with the Director of Annual Giving and Operations, Annual Fund and Membership Officer, and Major Giving Officers to renew Contributing and Circle members.
•  Prepare and send solicitation letters and emails.
•  Manage the solicitation schedule and tracking system.
•  Coordinate solicitation, gift entry, acknowledgement, and reconciliation for the annual funds solicitation appeal.

VII. Maintain donor records, manage data, and pull reports.

•  Ensure accurate and thorough donor records are maintained in Tessitura (CRM) and other Development files.
•  Extract and manage donor lists.
•  Provide regular fundraising updates for the Board of Trustees.
•  Support the Development department budgeting process.
•  Pull reports from Tessitura as requested.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

•  2 years of fundraising, events, or customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.
•  Demonstrated interest in the arts.
•  Excellent customer service demeanor and effective communication (both written and oral).
•  Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills; established ability to clearly communicate with a wide range of individuals from varied backgrounds and perspectives.
•  Excellent problem-solving and organization/time-management skills.
•  High degree of initiative and attention to detail.
•  Ability and judgment to maintain confidentiality.
•  Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Adobe, donor databases and data entry, and financial reports and analysis.
•  Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support events.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a museum or non-profit setting.
• Tessitura and Wordfly experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

• Ability to lift and/or move print and event materials (approximately 15 pounds).

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 compensation for this role is $24 - $26.50 hourly. 

The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/

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.

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.