Individual Giving Manager

Friends of the Blue Hills

Job Description

Job Description: Individual Giving Manager
Organization: Friends of the Blue Hills, Canton, MA
Position: Individual Giving Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Works closely with: Director of Advancement and Membership Coordinator, Board of Trustees
Hours and Compensation: This is a part-time, hourly position that is fully funded for two years, with the intention of continuing the role beyond that period. Depending on the final candidate’s preference and availability, the position will be 20–25 hours per week at $40–$50 per hour depending on experience. The organization is open to structuring the position as either a 1099 contractor or salaried employee role, depending on the final candidate’s preference.
Schedule: This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate monthly board meetings and donor events. This position is hybrid with 1–2 days of work each week in the office in Canton, MA. 

About Friends of the Blue Hills

The Blue Hills Reservation, a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) managed park, is 20 minutes south of Boston. Within its borders lie 7,000 acres of forest, 125 miles of trails, ponds for paddling, fishing and swimming, camps for young people, and visitor centers for all. 

Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) is a dynamic, growing nonprofit organization devoted to connecting our community to the Blue Hills Reservation. The FBH mission is to foster that connection between people and the Blue Hills Reservation by cultivating a sense of belonging for all while building a legacy of stewardship for generations to come. 

About the Opportunity

Focused on expanding and strengthening a portfolio of supporters, this role leads all aspects of the major gifts cycle — from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship — with the goal of increasing investment in the organization’s mission.

Working under the supervision of the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Advancement and Board of Directors, the Individual Giving Manager helps advance a strategic and coordinated approach to fundraising. This position is highly relational and externally facing, requiring regular engagement with donors, prospects, and community partners. The Individual Giving Manager serves as an ambassador for FBH, connecting supporters to the impact of protecting and enhancing the Blue Hills for all.

Through thoughtful stewardship, strong collaboration, and data-informed strategy, the Individual Giving Manager contributes to building a sustainable and growing base of philanthropic support, helping the organization meet its ambitious revenue goals in the coming years.

Areas of Focus
Over the next 3–5 years, FBH is looking to significantly grow its individual giving program. To help us get there, we have identified the following four areas of focus for the Individual Giving Manager:
  1. Increasing fundraising effectiveness through maximizing and leveraging CRM/data analytics
  2. Building systems and processes to support an ongoing individual donor development function
  3. Cultivating existing individual donors
  4. Building a pipeline of new major donors ($1,000+)

Responsibilities in Detail
Individual Giving & Donor Relationships
  • Manage and strategically advance a portfolio of approximately 75–100 individual donors and prospects, primarily at the $1,000–$10,000+ level.
  • Build meaningful relationships with donors through personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including regular in-person and virtual engagement, with the goal of deepening engagement and increasing philanthropic support over time.
  • Identify and qualify new prospects to strengthen and expand the major gifts pipeline.
  • Develop compelling proposals, communications, and stewardship opportunities that connect donors to the impact of their giving.
  • Represent FBH at donor gatherings, fundraising events, and other opportunities to build relationships within the community.

Fundraising Strategy & Collaboration
  • Partner with the  Executive Director and Director of Advancement to develop and execute individual giving strategies, campaigns, and annual fundraising goals.
  • Collaborate with marketing, membership, and program staff to develop coordinated fundraising communications, audience segmentation, and a cohesive donor experience across channels.
  • Contribute to campaign planning and the development of tools and processes that support efficient and effective fundraising.
  • Prepare donor briefings, reports, and other materials to support the Executive Director and organizational leadership in donor cultivation and solicitation.

Board Engagement
  • In partnership with the Executive Director and Director of Advancement, work with board members to strengthen their participation and effectiveness as fundraisers, helping them identify opportunities to cultivate, engage, steward, and solicit individual donors.
  • Equip board members with the information, materials, and support they need to confidently participate in fundraising and relationship-building.
  • Liaise and help drive relevant board committees, including fundraising and membership/marketing committees, to advance fundraising priorities.

Data & Fundraising Operations
  • Maintain accurate and timely donor and prospect information in the organization’s CRM.
  • Track donor engagement, moves, solicitations, and outcomes to ensure consistent follow-through and effective portfolio management.
  • Use donor data and fundraising results to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and inform ongoing strategy.

What We Are Looking For
You are the perfect candidate if you are outgoing and passionate about caring for our public land, fundraising, and being a part of a vibrant and growing organization. You will be a great fit if you are excited about developing relationships with current and future donors to ensure that our organization continues to grow and deliver on our mission.

Qualifications and Experience
  • At least five years of relevant fundraising or development experience, with demonstrated success managing an individual donor portfolio and personally soliciting and closing gifts.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic, trusting relationships with donors, prospects, board members, volunteers, colleagues, and community partners.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate the organization’s mission and impact in compelling and donor-centered ways.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain strong follow-through, and work effectively with a high degree of independence.
  • Experience working collaboratively with organizational leadership, board members, and volunteers to advance fundraising goals.
  • Experience using nonprofit donor management/CRM systems and donor data to support relationship management and fundraising strategy.
  • An entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, with the flexibility and initiative to thrive in a small nonprofit environment.
  • A demonstrated commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable organization and community.
  • A genuine connection to the FBH mission and an interest in environmental conservation, stewardship, and community engagement.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

To Apply

Please email a résumé and cover letter outlining how your experience, skills, and qualities align with the areas of focus and position responsibilities to jobs@friendsofthebluehills.org. The review of applications will begin immediately, so early application is recommended. All applicants will receive a personal acknowledgement of their application. 

FBH Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion

FBH embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, FBH is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

FBH is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. FBH prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.