Associate Director of Events & Donor Relations

About the role

The Associate Director of Events & Donor Relations plays a critical role in supporting the advancement goals of the College of Sciences. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Director of Engagement and Advancement Operations, this position oversees donor relations operations, stewardship programs, and advancement events.

Responsibilities

• Donor Relations & Stewardship
  Lead donor stewardship operations, including scholarship administration, tracking, and impact reporting.
  Develop and refine workflows, timelines, and processes.
  Ensure accuracy and compliance of donor and scholarship records.
  Produce annual stewardship reports for donors.
  Partner with philanthropy staff on donor-specific stewardship plans.
• Event Coordination & Management
  Plan and execute advancement events from concept through completion.
  Manage logistics including venue, catering, volunteers, and run-of-show.
  Identify and implement process improvements.
  Maintain event data and reporting in Blackthorn.
  Ensure compliance with university policies and risk management standards.
• Collaboration & Support
  Serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and campus partners.
  Provide guidance on stewardship and event practices.
  Participate in cross-campus initiatives and partnerships.
  Gather and apply stakeholder feedback to improve programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Other Required Qualifications: Experience in event planning, donor relations, alumni engagement, or related areas; strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail; excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships; proficiency with digital tools; experience with CRM or advancement databases preferred; ability to apply judgment responsibly; practice sensitivity, diplomacy, and discretion when working with donors and other key constituents.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education advancement, development, or stewardship; experience coordinating events designed for donors, alumni, or university constituents; familiarity with scholarship stewardship processes; experience with event management systems (Blackthorn or similar preferred).