Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

About the role

Florida Atlantic University seeks a creative and motivated Advancement professional to fill a critical role on a relationship-focused, results-oriented, donor-centered advancement team. The Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship role requires a creative, thoughtful fundraising professional to design a comprehensive, meaningful acknowledgment and stewardship program for major and leadership gifts across the university. This role’s core responsibilities are to develop and execute an annual calendar of strategic donor relations deliverables, communications, and engagement opportunities (including a future Campaign) that show appreciation for support and inspire donors to give at higher levels.

Responsibilities

Design and implement a comprehensive donor relations program, including:

• Define optimal donor journeys at established giving levels
• Create tools to facilitate meaningful and personalized donor experiences, including impact and stewardship reports, digital assets, etc.
• Implement a robust acknowledgment and stewardship program
• Develop targeted recognition opportunities for established donor levels
• Develop the voice for Florida Atlantic donor messaging, providing regular communication to the advancement team about University-wide milestones and happenings and ensuring the team receives updated presentation materials and email content
• Work collaboratively and effectively with Foundation leadership and advancement team members to create and implement individualized stewardship plans for major prospects; serve as a trusted advisor across the university programs to develop, manage and execute stewardship programs for donors
• Help train and educate Advancement and University staff on industry best practices in donor relations; work closely with staff across the University to instill and reinforce a culture of philanthropy
• Work collaboratively with the advancement communications team to develop corresponding materials; ensure all donor-facing materials align with overarching University communications and that materials complement and elevate donor stewardship
• Coordinate with the Director of Events and the Office of the President to ensure Foundation-wide event strategy aligns with the donor stewardship and communications calendars
• Expand and manage the acknowledgment process, ensuring gifts are thanked by the appropriate individual(s) in a timely manner and recorded in the database
• Continuously assess and adjust stewardship strategy as necessary to exceed donor expectations
• Manage and develop an effective team, providing effective communication, leadership by example, guidance and resources