Job Summary/Basic Function

This position ensures that donors to the university continue giving over the course of their lifetimes and that their giving increases over time. Coordinates and implements a donor relations and stewardship strategy for the donor base including annual, major, and principal gift donors. Additionally, the position manages a nation-wide volunteer network of campaign leaders that expands the university’s reach and influence around the country.

Level Scope

Manages a team typically consisting of both experienced professionals and subordinate Managers. Focuses on tactical and operational plans with short to midterm focus; significant responsibility to achieve broadly stated goals through subordinate Managers. Determines objectives, directs programs, develops strategies and policies, manages human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a high degree of autonomy. Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead a project or program teams in one dept/job family. Proactively assesses risk to establish systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Determines campus strategies for a program with campus wide impact.

Essential Functions

• Manage a team that is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive scalable donor relations program, ensuring that donors remain vitally connected to the university and understand the positive impact of their gifts.
• Ensure effective administration of protocols and procedures, tracking systems and reporting processes that serve the needs of the University and meet the expectations of donors
• Coordinate reporting with appropriate departments on the use of gifts for stewardship purposes.
• Maintain retention rates above industry average via strategic stewardship plans for major and principal gifts, annual giving donors, new donors, cumulative and milestone donors.
• Develop and implement a nation-wide volunteer network and protocols for donor cultivation, solicitation and recognition suitable for campaign and other development initiatives
• Oversee the development, implementation, and management of volunteer stewardship programs designed to foster and nurture long-term, meaningful relationships between the university and its donors.
• Partner in the oversight of naming and recognition policies and guidelines, materials for donor recognition, recognition walls and galleries; work with staff to define, update and create marketing materials for naming opportunities.
• Provide oversight and execute university-wide scholarship thank you process for students and donors ensuring consistency and coordination across campus units.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience and ability to connect with donors at all levels and establish positive relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with donors and internal partners at all levels
• Ability to represent the university in its most positive light and instill confidence and trust
• Thorough knowledge of an ability to develop and implement all facets of a comprehensive donor relations program
• Understanding of the latest research and trends in donor behavior and preferences
• Public speaking ability
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to motivate staff and volunteers
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Must be organized and demonstrate the ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to articulate and meet goals/objectives

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years’ experience or equivalent, including 3 years of managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred degree in communications, marketing, English or other writing-heavy major. Experience in higher education.