Donor Relations Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Donor Relations Officers typically qualify for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa sponsorship as their roles require specialized knowledge in fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, and database management. The position demands strong analytical skills and often requires a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or related fields. Most sponsoring employers are nonprofits, universities, and foundations.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The Office of Development's primary purpose is one of service and fundraising. These efforts include working closely with the Bishop, senior diocesan staff, pastors, parishioners, volunteers, and community members to increase giving to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Catholic schools, seminarian education, parish initiatives, and other ministries, programs, and special projects throughout the Diocese. The Office also provides professional fundraising consultation and support to diocesan ministries, parishes, schools, institutions, and organizations.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for implementing a comprehensive donor relationship program designed to identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospective donors throughout the Diocese.
The Director serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects through a disciplined moves-management process. Through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, the Director works to deepen donor engagement and secure philanthropic support for priority ministries and fundraising initiatives, including Catholic Charities, scholarships for Catholic education, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, seminarian education and vocations initiatives, capital and campaign priorities, and strategic special projects.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Discovery and Qualification
- Identify, research, and qualify prospective donors with the capacity of making major gifts for $25,000 to $100,000 over a three-year period.
- Conduct discovery visits to assess philanthropic interests, charitable goals, ministry affinities, and giving capacity.
- Develop and maintain an active portfolio of approximately 125-150 major donor prospects and current donors.
Cultivation and Relationship Management
- Implement moves-management strategies to advance donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Schedule and conduct regular donor visits (a minimum of 20 face-to-face visits each month) throughout the Diocese.
- Develop individualized cultivation plans and coordinate interactions with diocesan leadership and clergy.
Major Gift Solicitation
- Conduct solicitation visits and secure major gifts in support of Catholic Charities, Catholic education scholarships, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, and special projects.
- Prepare donor briefings, cultivation plans, gift agreements, proposals, and cases for support.
- Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer, Bishop, pastors, and diocesan leadership.
Donor Stewardship
- Ensure timely, meaningful, and personalized stewardship.
- Coordinate donor recognition and impact reporting.
- Assist with donor cultivation and appreciation events.
Moves Management and Portfolio Administration
- Maintain detailed contact reports and donor records.
- Track donor activity and progress through the moves-management cycle.
- Prepare regular reports regarding portfolio performance and fundraising results.
- Maintain annual fundraising, activity, and portfolio growth goals established in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer.
Strategic Collaboration and Special Projects
- Collaborate with Development Office staff across Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and Events.
- Participate in campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:
Given wide latitude and exercises significant discretion under the general direction of the Chief Development Officer. Responsible for donor relationship strategies, prospect management activities, database documentation, confidentiality, gift processing coordination, and stewardship reporting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Required to travel regularly throughout the Diocese to visit prospects, donors, parishes, schools, and ministry locations. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Work performed both in and out of the office setting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Thorough knowledge of relationship-based fundraising and major gift development principles. Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and project-management skills. Bachelor's degree required. Five to seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding charitable gifts. Experience with the Catholic Church or faith-based organizations preferred. Valid driver's license required.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in working for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Meaningful work
- service oriented and respectful work environment
- work-life balance
- telework opportunities
- generous leave, including paid FML
- more paid holidays than the federal government, including Christmas week off
- free parking as well as free transportation to/from Ballston metro
- paid lunch breaks
- professional development tuition assistance
- tuition assistance for your children enrolled in our diocesan schools after 1 year of employment
- medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b) and retirement plans.
Position Summary:
The Office of Development's primary purpose is one of service and fundraising. These efforts include working closely with the Bishop, senior diocesan staff, pastors, parishioners, volunteers, and community members to increase giving to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Catholic schools, seminarian education, parish initiatives, and other ministries, programs, and special projects throughout the Diocese. The Office also provides professional fundraising consultation and support to diocesan ministries, parishes, schools, institutions, and organizations.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Donor Relations is responsible for implementing a comprehensive donor relationship program designed to identify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospective donors throughout the Diocese.
The Director serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects through a disciplined moves-management process. Through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, the Director works to deepen donor engagement and secure philanthropic support for priority ministries and fundraising initiatives, including Catholic Charities, scholarships for Catholic education, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, seminarian education and vocations initiatives, capital and campaign priorities, and strategic special projects.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Discovery and Qualification
- Identify, research, and qualify prospective donors with the capacity of making major gifts for $25,000 to $100,000 over a three-year period.
- Conduct discovery visits to assess philanthropic interests, charitable goals, ministry affinities, and giving capacity.
- Develop and maintain an active portfolio of approximately 125-150 major donor prospects and current donors.
Cultivation and Relationship Management
- Implement moves-management strategies to advance donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Schedule and conduct regular donor visits (a minimum of 20 face-to-face visits each month) throughout the Diocese.
- Develop individualized cultivation plans and coordinate interactions with diocesan leadership and clergy.
Major Gift Solicitation
- Conduct solicitation visits and secure major gifts in support of Catholic Charities, Catholic education scholarships, diocesan ministries, endowment funds, and special projects.
- Prepare donor briefings, cultivation plans, gift agreements, proposals, and cases for support.
- Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer, Bishop, pastors, and diocesan leadership.
Donor Stewardship
- Ensure timely, meaningful, and personalized stewardship.
- Coordinate donor recognition and impact reporting.
- Assist with donor cultivation and appreciation events.
Moves Management and Portfolio Administration
- Maintain detailed contact reports and donor records.
- Track donor activity and progress through the moves-management cycle.
- Prepare regular reports regarding portfolio performance and fundraising results.
- Maintain annual fundraising, activity, and portfolio growth goals established in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer.
Strategic Collaboration and Special Projects
- Collaborate with Development Office staff across Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and Events.
- Participate in campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:
Given wide latitude and exercises significant discretion under the general direction of the Chief Development Officer. Responsible for donor relationship strategies, prospect management activities, database documentation, confidentiality, gift processing coordination, and stewardship reporting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Required to travel regularly throughout the Diocese to visit prospects, donors, parishes, schools, and ministry locations. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Work performed both in and out of the office setting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Thorough knowledge of relationship-based fundraising and major gift development principles. Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and project-management skills. Bachelor's degree required. Five to seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding charitable gifts. Experience with the Catholic Church or faith-based organizations preferred. Valid driver's license required.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in working for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Meaningful work
- service oriented and respectful work environment
- work-life balance
- telework opportunities
- generous leave, including paid FML
- more paid holidays than the federal government, including Christmas week off
- free parking as well as free transportation to/from Ballston metro
- paid lunch breaks
- professional development tuition assistance
- tuition assistance for your children enrolled in our diocesan schools after 1 year of employment
- medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b) and retirement plans.
See all 88+ Donor Relations Officer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Donor Relations Officer Jobs
Target mission-driven organizations with visa history
Universities, large nonprofits, and foundations frequently sponsor visas because they understand the process. Research their H-1B disclosure data on FLAG.dol.gov to identify employers with successful sponsorship records in development roles.
Emphasize specialized fundraising knowledge
Frame your experience with donor management systems (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP), prospect research, and major gift cultivation. These specialized skills help establish the role as requiring professional-level expertise for visa petitions.
Highlight quantifiable relationship-building skills
Document your track record with donor retention rates, fundraising campaign results, and database management experience. Concrete metrics demonstrate the specialized nature of your work for USCIS specialty occupation requirements.
Consider university advancement departments
Higher education institutions are experienced visa sponsors and often have dedicated development teams. Alumni relations, major gifts, and annual giving departments regularly hire international candidates with the right qualifications.
Network through professional fundraising associations
Join AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) chapters and attend events. Many members work at organizations that sponsor visas, and the nonprofit sector values relationship-building in hiring decisions.
Prepare for nonprofit intent questions
Be ready to explain your commitment to mission-driven work during interviews. Employers want assurance you're genuinely interested in their cause, not just seeking visa sponsorship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a Donor Relations Officer?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, public relations, or business administration. Some employers accept related fields like psychology or sociology if you have relevant fundraising experience. The degree field must relate to the specialized knowledge required for donor relationship management and fundraising strategy.
Do nonprofits actually sponsor H-1B visas for development roles?
Yes, many large nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and foundations sponsor H-1B visas for development staff. Organizations like United Way, American Red Cross, and major university systems regularly file petitions for fundraising professionals. Smaller nonprofits may lack resources, but mid-to-large organizations often have legal support for visa processes.
What visa options work best for Donor Relations Officers?
H-1B is most common, requiring a relevant bachelor's degree and employer sponsorship. E-3 visa works for Australians in the same role. TN visa covers Canadians and Mexicans if the position fits the 'Management Consultant' category and involves strategic fundraising analysis. Each requires demonstrating specialized knowledge in development work.
How strong is the specialty occupation case for fundraising roles?
Donor Relations Officers generally meet specialty occupation requirements because the role requires specialized knowledge of fundraising principles, donor psychology, database management, and campaign strategy. The key is documenting that your specific position requires professional-level skills, not just basic administrative tasks or volunteer coordination.
Should I mention visa needs upfront when applying to nonprofits?
It depends on the organization size and your qualifications. Large nonprofits and universities often expect visa sponsorship questions and may appreciate transparency early. Smaller organizations might need education about the process. Lead with your qualifications and fundraising track record, then address sponsorship when you're a strong candidate.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Donor Relations Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Donor Relations Officer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Donor Relations Officer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsored positions. Focus on nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and foundations that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1 visa, or TN visas for fundraising professionals. These organizations often need skilled donor relations specialists and are experienced with the visa sponsorship process for qualified international candidates.