Director, Donor Experience - Division of University Advancement

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country, offering more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 50,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe.

About the Role

Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive donor stewardship and engagement strategy designed to strengthen donor relationships, enhance the donor experience, and support philanthropic growth. Oversees donor recognition, acknowledgment, engagement activities, events, impact reporting, and ongoing stewardship initiatives across the donor lifecycle. Works in close partnership with fundraising staff, campus stakeholders, and donor compliance teams to develop tiered stewardship programs, advise on donor recognition opportunities, and ensure strategic relationship plans are in place for key donors. Manages donor impact reporting and scholarship donor engagement initiatives and collaborates with development officers to implement meaningful stewardship experiences that promote donor retention, cultivation, and future giving. Fosters a culture of donor-centered engagement that advances the mission and fundraising goals of Kennesaw State University.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship strategies tailored to individual donors, colleges, and university priorities, ensuring alignment with development objectives and established procedures.
• Identifies, engages, and stewards major donors across the university in partnership with the Development team.
• Collaborates closely with senior leadership, including the CEO and AVP, to create meaningful engagement opportunities for top donors and prospects.
• Designs and manages innovative stewardship programs and initiatives that recognize, thank, and engage donors, while documenting and tracking stewardship activities within the CRM system (Raiser's Edge).
• Strengthens connections between donors and the university by leveraging campus-wide engagement opportunities and partnering with donor compliance to deliver meaningful impact reporting.
• Leads the planning and execution of donor-focused events, including scholarship events, naming celebrations, donor recognition activities, student engagement opportunities, and donor hospitality programs.
• Oversees donor stewardship communications, including acknowledgments, newsletters, reports, and special correspondence, while partnering with Development Communications and Strategic Communications to ensure alignment with university branding and communication standards.
• Develops creative and strategic donor recognition and engagement opportunities that enhance donor satisfaction, strengthen relationships, and support the growth of the university's philanthropic community.
• Maintains expertise in donor engagement, stewardship, and philanthropic best practices by monitoring industry trends, emerging practices, and innovative approaches.
• Serves as a strategic partner to the fundraising team by promoting a culture of donor-centered stewardship, providing guidance and consultation to Development Directors on donor engagement, recognition, and relationship management strategies.
• Supervises stewardship and donor events staff, providing leadership, direction, performance management, and professional development to ensure effective program delivery and achievement of departmental goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in post-secondary education, business, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of related experience in advancement, development, or other related fundraising roles.
• Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license.

Qualifications

• Strong initiative and a quick learner with the ability to think strategically and analytically and the organizational skills to move from vision to action.
• Able to manage a significant volume of diverse tasks, activities, and projects, including both tactical and strategic projects, while meeting assigned deadlines.
• Working knowledge of and commitment to compliance with the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP) and all Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) regulations.
• Knowledgeable about donor databases and contact management/tracking systems.
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, donor databases, etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-up skills, and project management skills.
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette.
• Positive attitude, creative, and innovative thinking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Prior experience in a higher education or nonprofit donor engagement office.
• Expertise in developing stewardship strategies.
• Comprehensive campaign experience.
• Experience leading others.
• Enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive university and the desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Membership in the Association of Donor Relations Professionals or other similar organizations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Vacation and generous retirement plans.
• Tuition waiver.
• Wellness options.

Pay

The salary range is up to $96,000. Offers are based on relevant experience.

This is a supervisory position and may require driving. This role is considered a position of trust and may travel 1% - 24% of the time.