Associate Director, Donor Relations

Department: Alumni Relations & Development

Target budgeted salary: $75,000–$80,000 annually. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data.

About the role

The Associate Director of Donor Relations advances the university’s philanthropic mission through stewardship and engagement programs for major, leadership, and principal gift donors, with a primary focus on managing donor recognition signage from concept to installation. This role serves as the lead for all donor recognition and physical acknowledgment projects, coordinating design, approvals, production, installation, and ongoing maintenance across campus. Additional responsibilities include overseeing personalized donor and trustee recognition efforts, managing annual holiday card initiatives, and coordinating stewardship gifts and branded items that support relationship-building efforts by gift officers. The successful candidate is a highly organized project manager and relationship builder who can lead complex donor-focused projects, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and navigate shifting priorities to deliver exceptional stewardship experiences.

Our office operates in a hybrid model with the option of working three days in the office and two days remote. Occasional evening or weekend hours are required to support donor engagement events.

Responsibilities

• Work with vendors to secure donor recognition items.
• Manage stewardship correspondence including acknowledgment letters, holiday cards, plaques and signage, and gift selection.
• Manage stewardship activities developed and implemented for client groups, including tracking all contact in databases.
• Review use of database and recommend changes to create a system of prompts and reminders to ensure timely and appropriate activity.
• Develop, plan, and implement personalized stewardship strategies, goals, and approaches for more complex, key, or high-profile donors.
• Gather data and develop strategies designed to realize the current and lifetime giving potential of individual prospects.
• Create donor-centric event materials, including programs and other collateral materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of development, marketing, sales, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic thinking and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated success managing complex tasks and large-scale projects.
• Experience analyzing and manipulating large datasets in Excel.
• 4 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or a related field.
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Paid medical/sick and parental leave.
• Tuition benefits for the employee and dependents.
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Wellness programs.
• Work-life and wellness programs, including flexible work arrangements, childcare, and senior/adult care support.
• Professional growth and development resources.