WAVS Donor Relations Associate:

Job Description and Requirements Job Title:

Donor Relations Associate Location:

Based in Fresno, California (some hours worked remotely)

Hours:

Part-time (20-30 hours per week)

Background:

West African Vocational Schools (www.wavschools.org) is a Christian nonprofit that equips young people with life-changing job skills. The WAVS vocational school operates in one of the least developed regions of the world and prepares more than 800 youth for work each year, all while sharing the message of hope in Jesus. Summary The Donor Relations Associate builds lasting relationships with the individuals, businesses, community groups and churches who partner with WAVS. We are looking for a warm, organized communicator who enjoys getting to know donors, following through on details, and helping supporters see the difference their generosity makes in Guinea-Bissau. Working closely with the Executive Director, this person will carry out day-to-day donor stewardship work, maintain accurate records, and support fundraising outreach and events. Donor relationships and stewardship

• Build relationships through regular personal outreach with donors. Learn donors' interests, share relevant updates, and help connect their giving with WAVS students and programs.
• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for current and prospective donors. Respond promptly to phone calls and emails.
• Arrange donor meetings, prepare background information, track next steps, and follow through after conversations.
• Educate donors on different ways they can give to WAVS, including non-cash gifts.
• Build a sense of community among top donors by inviting them to participate in the Leadership Council and attend the annual Christmas thank-you dinner. Donor records and gift administration
• Maintain accurate Salesforce records for donors, contacts, gifts, communication preferences, and relationship history. Record meaningful interactions and keep follow-up tasks current.
• Use Salesforce, Donorbox, Asana, ChatGPT, and related tools to manage donor workflows. Review automated outputs for accuracy and help improve systems while protecting confidential information. Donor communications and fundraising events
• Draft and personalize donor emails, letters, invitations, and impact updates using stories and information from the WAVS team in Guinea-Bissau.
• Invite donors to attend and host tables at fundraiser events, and assist with carrying out events as needed. Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Excellent writing and one-on-one communication skills, with confidence speaking to donors by phone, email, and in person.
• Experience in donor relations, nonprofit development, customer service, or another role involving relationship building and consistent follow-through. Fundraising experience is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage several priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Comfort working with databases, spreadsheets, AI automations, and online tools, and an ability to learn new systems quickly. Experience with tools such as Salesforce, Asana, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, Donorbox, and Canva is helpful. Personal Attributes
• A personal faith in Jesus and a desire to share His message of hope through words and actions.
• Willingness to travel at least once to Guinea-Bissau.
• A sincere interest in people and in WAVS' mission of creating opportunity through vocational training.
• Warmth, good judgment, discretion, and respect for donors' preferences and confidentiality.
• A proactive approach to solving problems, dependable follow-through, and a willingness to help a small team meet shared goals. Benefits
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Health and retirement benefits included.

Application process Please email your application to chris@wavschools.org. In addition to your résumé, candidates are encouraged to submit a brief introductory video. WAVS Core Values Heart // God, not us. It's not about us; it's about what God is doing through us.

Jesus set the example:

He cared more about long-term impact than his status in the eyes of his peers. We are a part of something that is much greater than ourselves

• we are a part of God's kingdom.

Head // Mission, not what's easy . We don't simply take the path of least resistance. Instead, we're willing to make the tough decisions that keep us on mission. Because even though our work requires huge expenditures of energy and resources over decades of time, it's worth it in the end. Hands // Opportunity, not charity. We believe that opportunity is exponentially more powerful than charity. Charity meets short-term needs on a case-by-case basis. Opportunity has a multiplying effect that leads to long-term transformation in one's self, family and community.

Benefits:

401(k) matching Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person