Please email a cover letter, resumé, and the contact information for three references as a single PDF to [email protected] – include the name of the position in the subject line of your email. Applications may also be mailed to: Seed Savers Exchange | Attn: Human Resources | 3094 North Winn Rd. | Decorah, IA 52101.

Donor Relations Officer

Compensation: $25/hour

FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Position Status: Regular Full-time Non-Exempt
Reports to: Development Director

Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization based in Decorah, Iowa focused on conserving and promoting America’s culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations.

Primary Role:

The Donor Relations Officer plays a vital role in advancing the fundraising efforts of Seed Savers Exchange. This position manages donor communications, supports campaign planning, maintains a donor portfolio, drafts donor proposals and reports, and ensures timely acknowledgments and stewardship activities. The Officer works closely with the Development Director to sustain and grow support from individuals, foundations, and sponsors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Donor Communications & Stewardship
- Manage donor communication calendar and coordinate thank-you calls, emails, and mailings.
- Draft compelling proposals, donor reports, and updates in collaboration with staff.
- Assist in producing content for fundraising campaigns across mail, email, and digital platforms.
- Respond promptly and professionally to donor inquiries and requests.
Fundraising & Campaign Support
- Assist with campaign planning, messaging, and execution (annual giving, anniversary campaigns, special appeals).
- Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects to deepen engagement and giving.
- Help identify and cultivate prospects for major gifts, recurring giving, and legacy gifts.
- Strategically move key relationships forward to major gifts.
- Develop communication assets demonstrating SSE’s mission and impact through the use of storytelling.
Data & Reporting
- Maintain data accuracy and integrity in the donor database (Raiser’s Edge).
- Collaborate on monthly revenue reconciliation and campaign tracking.
- Prepare donor lists, reports, and segmentation for mailings and events.
Corporate & Foundation Support
- Support sponsorship outreach and benefits delivery in coordination with the Development Director.
- Assist in preparing reports and materials for corporate and foundation partners.

Skills:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Experience with CRM software (preferably Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office/Google Suite.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
Demonstrated commitment to donor privacy and stewardship.
Background in nonprofit fundraising or donor services preferred.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required.
Non-profit fundraising experience required.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit or stand at a computer screen for extended periods.
Occasional lifting of materials for mailing assembly or event preparation.
Ability to lift medium-weight boxes of mailing supplies.

Job Share:

Contribute to broader organizational goals through participation in fieldwork and/or seed order fulfillment during peak times

Benefits:

PTO & Holidays
Life insurance and long term disability provided by SSE
Employee discounts
Medical, dental and vision insurance available
Retirement plan with company match
Wellness program with annual stipend and paid wellness day

Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Seed Savers Exchange does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law.