Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship

About the role

At The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, we’ve built our legacy on being amazing. After more than a century of the highest quality care and service to children and their families, we’re forever proud of our team members who don’t just make a career here – they make a difference. Location: 1405 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Schedule: Monday through Friday, Full Time, Onsite.

Responsibilities

• The Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship is a senior leader within the Development team responsible for cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, designing and executing high‑impact stewardship strategies, and overseeing a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
• This role blends strategic oversight with direct donor engagement, ensuring that supporters feel valued, informed, and connected to the organization’s mission.
• The director also leads the planning and execution of signature events that strengthen donor relationships and drive philanthropic investment.
• Donor Portfolio Leadership: Manage a portfolio of mid‑level and major donors, with clear goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; develop individualized engagement strategies that deepen donor commitment and increase giving; conduct regular donor meetings, site visits, and personalized outreach to maintain strong relationships; collaborate with Senior Director of Development and senior leadership on strategy for high‑capacity prospects.
• Stewardship Strategy & Execution: Direct stewardship and engagement strategies, events, recognition societies and individualized plans, to retain and upgrade donors; oversee the creation of impact reports, personalized updates, and recognition materials.
• Events Leadership: Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of donor‑focused events, including annual galas, cultivation gatherings, and stewardship receptions; develop event concepts that strengthen donor engagement and support fundraising goals.
• Team & Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Supervise staff or contractors involved in stewardship, events, or donor communications; partner with the Senior Director of Development on annual fundraising strategy.
• Data & Systems Management: Use CRM systems to track donor interactions, event attendance, and stewardship touchpoints; analyze donor trends to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• Demonstrated success managing donor portfolios and securing philanthropic gifts.
• Strong event planning and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and storytelling abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style.
• Clearances Required: Act 73 FBI, Act 34 Criminal Clearance, and Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription insurance – Choice of two health plans and networks
• Dental and Vision – Free coverage for team members
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Medical, Bereavement, Educational, & Personal Leaves
• Parental leave (birth & adoption) paid – 6 weeks
• 403b Retirement Plan – pre‑tax & Roth options; employer match after 1 year
• Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program – CI qualifies as non‑profit
• Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development/CEU’s
• Life and Short- & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Credit Union
• Team Member Recognition Events
• Referral bonus
• CPR‑employer paid
• Travel mileage reimbursement at federal rate