Donor Relations Manager

As the Manager, Development & Donor Relations at Akanksha, your main responsibility will be to develop the funding base to support the organization's ambitious program goals. You will also play a crucial role in maintaining relationships with key donors and their organizations. Collaborating closely with internal stakeholders such as the Finance team, School-Program teams, Impact team, and Communications team is essential to support fundraising efforts effectively. This role demands meticulous attention to detail, exceptional interpersonal skills, and outstanding relationship management abilities, with a primary focus on stewardship. Reporting to the Director of Development and Communications, you will drive the development of various work streams, assist in portfolio management, manage operations and compliance, and oversee donor audits. Stewardship of existing donors based on their giving capacity is pivotal to ensure repeat donations and upgrades. Keeping all proposals and documents up-to-date on the team site, supporting impact studies and audits, and collaborating with the Communications team to ensure the effectiveness of marketing collaterals are among the key responsibilities. Moreover, you will work with other teams within the organization to stay informed about the latest updates relevant to development conversations, build relationships with program teams, and gain a detailed understanding of the organization's work. Understanding CSR funding regulations, developing a structured strategy to ensure donor retention, cultivating relationships with donors of various capacities, and allocating donor funds to programs and projects are integral aspects of this role. To excel in this position, you should have 5-7 years of relevant work experience in client-facing roles, preferably with fundraising exposure. Sectoral experience with corporates/foundations and working with HNIs is advantageous. Strong time management skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential. Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written, are required for preparing reports and proposals effectively. A proactive and results-driven approach, the ability to source new leads through research, and a postgraduate degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related fields are necessary qualifications for this role.,