Director of Donor Engagement and Strategic Initiatives

Full-time, on-site role based in Galesburg, IL.

About the role

Responsible for leading comprehensive strategies to build, strengthen, and sustain donor relationships. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, this position oversees the planning and execution of donor engagement programs, including events, communications, and recognition initiatives that enhance donor satisfaction and loyalty. The director collaborates with advancement colleagues to develop and implement strategic projects that support fundraising goals, deepen alumni and parent engagement, and expand the donor pipeline.

Day-to-day responsibilities include managing key projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, analyzing donor data, advising senior leadership on engagement strategies, and ensuring consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all donor touchpoints. The role also involves supervising staff or partners, mentoring team members, and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive donor engagement strategies to build, strengthen, and sustain donor relationships.
• Oversee planning and execution of donor engagement programs, including events, communications, and recognition initiatives.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues to develop and implement strategic projects supporting fundraising goals.
• Manage key projects and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Analyze donor data to inform strategy and measure outcomes.
• Advise senior leadership on engagement strategies.
• Ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all donor touchpoints.
• Supervise staff or partners and mentor team members.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Program management and project management skills to design, execute, and evaluate donor engagement initiatives and strategic advancement projects.
• Strong communication skills, including writing, presenting, and interpersonal communication, to effectively engage donors, colleagues, and campus partners.
• Team leadership and consulting skills to guide cross-functional teams, provide strategic counsel, and foster collaboration across the advancement and campus community.
• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, or higher education advancement is highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and improve donor experiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Genuine passion for the work, a willingness to learn and grow, and a mindset that puts the team ahead of individual recognition.

About the organization

Knox College is a nationally ranked, private, residential liberal arts college serving approximately 1,200 undergraduate students in Galesburg, Illinois. The College is known for its vibrant community of scholar-teachers and students, emphasizing free inquiry, independent thought, and diverse perspectives. Knox offers a dynamic residential environment with more than 100 student clubs and organizations and a broad range of academic opportunities and campus activities. The community is highly diverse, with students from 48 states and 51 countries, and an alumni network of 16,000 individuals who pursue advanced degrees and successful careers around the world.

Pay

Salary Range: $79,000–$84,000