Reporting to the Executive Director of Gift Planning & Special Gifts, the director of stewardship will develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to share with donors the impact of their gifts. Through print and digit publications, special events and activities, social media, personal interactions, speeches, press releases, web pages, multimedia, and correspondence, they will increase donor retention rates and elevate the level of giving by the constituents with whom they communicate. The director is responsible for generating accurate and compelling content for use in diverse communication channels, tailored to address the interests of segmented demographics.

The director oversees donor relations with all contributors to scholarships and student success programming, stewarding their gifts. The director monitors scholarship and student success program gift monies, ensures scholarship funds are appropriately and effectively deployed, and maintains records on scholarship recipients.

The successful candidate will possess exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills. They will attach their role with an unwavering commitment to urgency, attention to detail, and accuracy and with a service-oriented outlook.

Communicate Philanthropic Impact: 

• Develop and deploy communications that illustrate the impact of donors’ gifts, and/or fulfill alumni engagement objectives. Conceptualize and execute a multi-faceted, multi-channel, cyclical communications strategy to deliver to donors and prospective donors’ news, messaging, and promotional content to support the growth of donor numbers and contribution totals for scholarships. Develop, maintain, and share an annual calendar of communications and reporting activities.
• Research, assemble, create content for, and produce custom impact reports tailored for individual top scholarship donors and across various philanthropic themes or donor demographics.
• Plan, organize, and direct the implementation of events and activities that communicate gratitude and celebrate philanthropy.
• Serve as the editor of impact publications that focus primarily on scholarships and student success. Conceptualize and design (in collaboration with the University Marketing Communication team and/or outside vendors) the look and feel of publications and cyclical communications. Conduct interviews and research to support the creating of content that supports impact reporting.
• Educate donors about the impact of their scholarship philanthropy and the benefits to student recipients.
• Through strategic messaging, promote and grow a culture of scholarship philanthropy associated with the institution and among its constituents. Craft messages, presentations, remarks, and speeches for senior leaders, key volunteers, and speakers at philanthropy-oriented events (including those blended with alumni engagement objectives) that promote and communicate the power of philanthropy and promote concrete donor actions such as making a first gift, continued giving, renewed giving, or elevated giving.
• Assist in managing or manage a donor-relations focused giving society as directed. Fund Oversight and Reporting
• Ensure prudent and effective use of gifted funds designated for scholarships and student success.
• Ensure that assigned colleagues conduct an annual audit of selected records for compliance with fund designations or terms.
• Collaborate with the Alumni Engagement unit to sustain communications with past scholarship recipients.
• Benchmark and maintain high rates of sustained contact with past recipients.
• Monitor progress of related strategic goals, campaign, and other metrical targets associated with scholarship support.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of professional advancement experience
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, poise, professionalism, and knowledge of business social etiquette
• General content for print and digital publications and for distribution via social media
• Event planning skills
• Creativity
• Research and analytical skills
• Ability to conduct successful leadership annual giving solicitations from within an established stewardship relationship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher education experience
• Preference for 3 years of donor relations experience
• Knowledge of design experience and experience in digital design software to create documents

Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of HTML and web editor tools
• Basic understanding of iModules alumni engagement/customer relations management platform
• Proficiency with event planning software, Attend
• Proper business correspondence
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Use of general office equipment and computer
• Use of the internet as a productivity or research tool
• Business and professional etiquette
• Development and alumni relations best practices
• Basic understanding of research

Skills: 

• Effectively use and communicate through social media techniques and platforms
• Apply mobile device technology for productivity, communication, and social media
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Problem solving skills, emphasizing a solutions-oriented mentality
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills
• Basic budgeting and cost estimating
• Customer relations skills
• Analyze and synthesize prospect reports, maps, graphs, tables and other technical information

Abilities: 

• Work in a team environment, being self-motivated, well prepared, with routine follow through
• Demonstrate strong character, emphasizing integrity, caring, and honesty, as well as loyalty to the
• Develop proficiency with the university’s fundraising database and software
• Maintain positive and respectful engagement with colleagues and clients
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Adaptable and resilient when confronted with challenges and changing priorities
• Manage and meet deadlines
• Adhere to division and university policies and procedures
• Generate prospect reports, maps, and other technical information associated with giving and engagement
• Work effectively in a multi-faceted organization and develop mutually respectful relationships with stakeholders at all levels as well as diverse individuals and communities
• Manage sensitive and confidential information
• Demonstrate an authentic and enthusiastic interest in the mission of the university
• Optimize travel planning and execution
• Travel as appropriate by automobile, aircraft, and other means for work related trips
• Work frequently on evenings and weekends
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and possess the ability to safely and effectively drive