Manager - Donor Engagement, Growth, and Stewardship

OVERVIEW OF CURE

CURE Epilepsy is a parent-founded nonprofit that is laser-focused on research to find a cure for epilepsy. Epilepsy is a complex, often debilitating neurological disorder that will affect 1 in 26 Americans in their lifetime. One-third of people with epilepsy are uncontrolled on medication, and those who seizures are controlled by medications often face challenging side effects. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $100 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures. Our work has already led to incredible advancements for the community. Research is our greatest hope of finding a cure and each discovery brings us closer to achieving freedom from seizures and medication side effects for people living with epilepsy. Join us as we lead the search for a cure.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Manager of Donor Engagement, Growth, and Stewardship is responsible for developing and executing data-driven strategies that deepen donor engagement, strengthen retention, and increase philanthropic support from individual donors contributing up to $10,000 annually.

Working collaboratively across fundraising, communications, and programs, the Manager will utilize the organization's CRM and other fundraising technologies to analyze donor behavior, identify growth opportunities, and develop strategies that advance donors in their philanthropic journey. The role is responsible for creating compelling donor communications, stewardship initiatives, annual fundraising appeals, digital giving campaigns, and memorial and tribute giving programs that connect supporters to the organization's mission and impact. Success in this position requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and exceptional storytelling skills to ensure donors receive relevant, meaningful, and inspiring communications that drive engagement, loyalty, and long-term giving.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Design and execute targeted engagement and stewardship strategies for donors contributing up to $10,000 annually to build lasting relationships.
• Create donor journeys that support movement from first-time donor to recurring supporter and future major gift prospect.
• Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship activities.
• Write and edit compelling donor-facing content, using multiple media channels including appeals, stewardship, communications, impact stories, campaign materials, and fundraising emails.

Data Analytics and Fundraising Performance

• Serve as primary strategist for donor segmentation, fundraising analytics, and performance measurement within the annual giving program.
• Analyze donor trends, campaign performance, retention rates, and engagement metrics to identify opportunities for growth.

• Create unique messaging for donor segments based on their behavior, demographics, and interests, deepening relationships by connecting donors with other fundraising and educational content/programming.
• Leverage emerging technologies, including AI tools, to enhance content development, audience segmentation, and fundraising effectiveness.

Annual Giving Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy to increase donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, and revenue growth.
• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of all annual fundraising appeals (email, digital, direct mail, day-of-giving, and multichannel campaigns).

Memorial and Tribute Giving

• Oversee all memorial and tribute giving programs and communications.
• Develop stewardship processes that appropriately recognize honorees, families, and donors.
• Identify opportunities to deepen engagement with tribute and memorial donors and convert one-time gifts into ongoing support.

 Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Data literacy

• Use data for decision-making
• Perform measurement and impact of initiatives

Ability to translate data into action

• Create donor journey development
• Conduct donor segmentation and targeting
• Understand audience insights and personalization
• Develop retention and reactivation strategies

Content creation

• Craft compelling stories
• Translate science for lay audiences
• Develop personalized communications

Technology proficiency

• Possess CRM expertise (Blackbaud preferred)
• Manage digital fundraising platforms
• Utilize project management tools (e.g., Monday.com)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible fundraising, annual giving, and donor engagement experience.
• A genuine enthusiasm for CURE Epilepsy’s mission and the ability to promote and communicate the philosophy, values, and impact of the organization to external and internal stakeholders.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems (Blackbaud), fundraising databases, and reporting tools to drive fundraising decisions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience writing donor-centered fundraising appeals and stewardship communications.
• Strong project management, organizational, and collaboration skills.

• Self-starter with ability to handle concurrent projects and creatively solve problems.

• Knowledge of healthcare, medical research, scientific, or mission-driven nonprofit communications preferred.

LOCATION

This position is based in downtown Chicago, IL. The position is hybrid (in-person office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

SCHEDULE

Some evenings and weekends are required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $70,000-$82,000 commensurate with relevant experience. CURE Epilepsy has an attractive and competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a match, and vacation, sick, and personal days. Full benefit details will be shared with candidates.

CURE Epilepsy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CURE Epilepsy is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CURE Epilepsy does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.