Donor Engagement Specialist

Position Title: Donor Engagement Specialist 

Reports To: Director of Development 

Location: On-site at the TMS Headquarters, Downtown Chicago 

About Thomas More Society 

At Thomas More Society (TMS), we are driven by a mission that restores respect in law for life, family, and freedom. As a national public interest law firm based in Chicago, we provide high-quality, pro-bono legal services—from local courtrooms to the United States Supreme Court—defending the values that shape a just society. Our work transforms lives and communities, fueled by the generosity of donors who share our vision. Join us to make a lasting impact in a role where your passion for our mission can help renew our culture. 

Position Overview 

As the Donor Engagement Specialist, you will be the heartbeat of our mid-level donor program ($1,000–$4,999 gifts), deepening relationships with supporters who sustain our mission. You will design thoughtful engagement strategies, connect donors to the impact of their giving, promote diverse ways to support TMS, and collaborate closely with our major gifts team to grow transformational support. This role is ideal for a creative, mission-driven communicator who thrives on building relationships, takes initiative, and is committed to continual professional growth. 

Responsibilities 

Donor Engagement 

• Design and execute innovative monthly strategies to retain and upgrade mid-level donors, ensuring alignment with major gift initiatives and quarterly campaigns. 
• Deliver timely, heartfelt thank-you calls and personalized notes to donors giving $1,000–$4,999, identifying those with potential to become major donors. 
• Analyze monthly revenue trends for the mid-level portfolio, producing year-over-year reports that guide strategic decision-making and maximize donor impact. 

Major Gift Support 

• Partner with Development Directors to qualify mid-level donors for major gift portfolios, identifying high-potential supporters through research and stewardship. 
• Track smaller gifts from donors with significant capacity and cultivate these relationships with tailored engagement to inspire greater giving. 

Grant Proposals 

• Serve as the point person for grant requests from foundations aligned with TMS’s mission. 
• Research prospective foundations, track inquiry and submission deadlines, and submit approximately 8-10 proposals annually, ranging from simple to more complex. 

Promote Ways of Giving 

• Develop and implement an annual communications plan to educate and inspire donors about diverse giving options - including Donor Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and gifts of appreciated stock - to maximize support for TMS. 
• Proactively research and recommend software solutions and tools that remove friction and improve the donor experience for gifts of non-cash assets (stock, DAFs, IRAs). 

Legacy Society Promotion & Stewardship 

• Lead a strategic, multichannel initiative to grow the Thomas More Legacy Society, crafting compelling messaging and targeted outreach that inspires donors to leave a lasting legacy through planned gifts. 
• Develop and maintain high-quality, in-house materials that provide timely, personalized responses to Legacy Society inquiries. 
• Oversee all Legacy Society stewardship efforts, including annual benefits, recognition opportunities, and meaningful updates; oversee design of the Legacy Society recognition wall and continually enhance it to honor members’ enduring commitment. 

Development Support 

• Provide additional support to the Development Team as assigned, contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven culture while maintaining primary focus on donor engagement and stewardship. 

Qualifications & Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience considered. 
• 5 years or more experience in nonprofit development, sales, or marketing, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships and drive results. 
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills, with a talent for crafting compelling, donor-centered messages. 
• Empathetic, optimistic, and mission-driven, with a passion for connecting with donors to advance TMS’s work. 
• A self-starter with creativity, initiative, and strong follow-through. 
• Strong database management skills, with experience in DonorPerfect (preferred) or similar platforms, and the ability to generate actionable reports independently. 
• A desire to continually hone professional skills, seek out learning opportunities, and grow within the development field. 
• Deep commitment to TMS’s positions on life, family, and freedom, with an active faith life rooted in Christian teachings.

*To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to employment@thomasmoresociety.org.