Job Description

The Director of Donor Relations leads a comprehensive and strategic donor relations program for the ISU Foundation, focused on stewardship, donor engagement, and recognition that deepens philanthropic relationships and strengthens donor retention. This leadership position will develop, manage, and evaluate systems, processes, and programs that ensure donors at all levels are acknowledged, stewarded, and engaged in meaningful ways.

The Director will supervise the Donor Relations Coordinator and collaborate across the Foundation and University, including with development directors, advancement services, scholarship office, and communications staff, to ensure a consistent, high-quality donor experience that aligns with donor intent and institutional values and fundraising priorities. This position reports to the Associate Vice President in University Advancement for Strategic Engagement.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Stewardship and Donor Engagement

• Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of a university-wide donor relations and stewardship program focused on cultivating long-term philanthropic relationships.

• Design and implement tailored stewardship plans for principal, major, and annual gift donors in partnership with directors of development and the annual giving team.

• Oversee donor acknowledgment processes, including custom correspondence, impact reports, recognition programs, and digital communications.

• Collaborate on strategic donor recognition and engagement efforts, including management of The Gem Legacy donor recognition society.

• Develop donor-centric content and messaging for reports, impact stories, and engagement communications.

Compliance and Gift Management

• Ensure all donor recognition and stewardship efforts align with gift intent, IRS guidelines, CASE standards, and ISU Foundation policies.

• Oversee gift agreement process in partnership with legal, finance, and development staff.

• Track and ensure compliance of endowed and restricted funds, including coordination with finance and the scholarship office to verify proper fund usage and reporting.

• Serve as a strategic advisor on gift acceptance policies, fund stewardship, and donor communication practices.

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise the Donor Relations Coordinator and other assigned staff or student interns; provide mentorship, direction, and performance feedback.

• Build a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the donor relations team.

• Ensure alignment and partnership with colleagues across Advancement, including development, alumni engagement, finance, and data and research.

Event Oversight and Donor Experiences

• Set strategy for high-impact donor recognition events and experiences, including scholarship events, donor receptions, and presidential stewardship opportunities.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to design and deliver memorable donor moments that elevate gratitude and engagement.

• Evaluate event ROI, donor feedback, and long-term relationship outcomes.

Data, Analytics, and Program Improvement

• Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of donor relations efforts; produce reports and dashboards for leadership.

• Implement best practices and continuously improve systems and processes for donor recognition and stewardship.

• Monitor industry trends to ensure ISU remains innovative and donor-focused in its stewardship approach.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or six years of relevant experience.

• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in donor relations, fundraising, non-profit, research and data, communications, or a related field.

• At least 2 years of experience in supervising or leading teams.

• Proven experience developing and executing strategic stewardship and donor engagement plans.

• Exceptional written communication skills.

• Experience working in higher education advancement or a university foundation setting.

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence in donor and stakeholder interactions.

• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, public relations, or related field.

• Familiarity with donor databases such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.

• Knowledge of CASE standards, IRS regulations related to charitable giving, and industry best practices in donor relations.

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before January 5, 2026. Salary will be between $65,000 and $75,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.