The Donor Relations Specialist will work collaboratively with the gift officers to meet donors’ needs by providing administrative support aimed at developing, maintaining, and tracking external relationships. This staff member will assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, meetings, communications, and other activities with emphasis on the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) affinity group.

* This is a hybrid position 

1. Manage spreadsheets, documents, and the donor database to track operations, expenses, and sponsorships for WIN events, collaborating with the events team under the direction of the Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy (WIN).
2. Assist with outreach and acknowledgements to new and current prospects.
3. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications department to design and distribute e-newsletters to WIN members and sponsors on behalf of the Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy (WIN).
4. Develop and execute a strategic social media plan for WIN’s Meta and LinkedIn accounts in collaboration with the Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy (WIN). Create and manage a content calendar, ensuring consistent, engaging, and brand-aligned messaging. Maintain WIN’s social media presence while coordinating with Kennedy Krieger’s social media team to amplify relevant content across institutional channels.
5. Coordinate WIN volunteer events and manage follow-up communication as assigned by the Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy (WIN). Track and report events and membership progress using specific metrics and reports.
6. Support the Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy (WIN) in working with the Marketing and Communications department on the marketing needs for WIN events, to include, but not limited to, answering requests, distributing documentation, and following up with questions in a timely manner.
7. Plan Institute tours for WIN members and their networks as requested by the Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy (WIN). Work in partnership with corporate/foundation relations and volunteer engagement on tours and volunteer opportunities for WIN members as appropriate. Maintain spreadsheets showing tour dates, guests and presenters. Plan and deliver thank you gifts to presenters as appropriate.
8. Engage with new and existing WIN members as assigned by the Senior Associate Director of WIN.
9. Assist Gift Officers with outreach to donors and prospects to various programs across the Institute and help with stewardship activities as needed. Help coordinate and prepare for meetings and other activities.
10. Serve as a liaison with Marketing and Communications regarding stewardship and marketing needs to include, but not limited to, answering requests, distributing documentation, and following up with questions in a timely manner.
11. Plan Institute tours for donors, volunteers, and other interested parties as requested by gift officers. Maintain spreadsheet showing tour dates, guests and presenters. Plan and deliver a thank you gifts to presenters at the start of a new year.
12. Assist the Director, Planned Giving with the Planned Giving Advisory Council, to include scheduling meetings and tours, coordinating with guest speakers and offsite hosts, and preparing meeting materials.
13. Manage communication across the individual giving team, ensuring that event calendars are up to date and gift officer activity is tracked, maintained, and regularly updated.
14. Serve as an ambassador for Kennedy Krieger Institute, fostering engagement with donors and building lasting relationships to ensure their continued support.
15. Ensure a positive and seamless experience for Institute donors and WIN members by addressing their giving and volunteer needs promptly and professionally.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum 3 years of experience in development, fundraising strategies, corporate communications, public relations, marketing, or related field required.
• Experience working in academic, healthcare or research settings is preferred.