Director Donor Relations

Manages a comprehensive donor relations program to assist the department with meeting its strategic goals, with special attention towards strategies that retain donors.

• Develops a coordinated matrix of communication and stewardship strategies involving email, mail, phone, personal visits and volunteer engagement to steward donors at all levels.
• Creates innovative programs and projects to thank and steward donors and is responsible for gift acknowledgements.
• Directs the University's donor recognition programs to strategically increase gifts and donor numbers.
• Collaborates with University leadership on individual donor stewardship plans, correspondence, and specialized reporting for major donors.
• Develops strategy for donor-related events and donor campus visits.
• Develops, monitors, and helps enforce adherence to policies related to development such as gift acceptance and recognition.
• Works with internal partners to effectively monitor the use of gift funds.
• Tracks donor relations and stewardship activities in appropriate databases. Responds in a timely manner to donor inquiries.
• Manages area budget.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• Two years' relevant experience.
• Proficiency in office software, including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software. Familiarity with databases.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience providing a high level of customer service to internal and external constituents.
• Experience in fundraising or constituent relations.

• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2023-04-03