Executive Director of Strategic Donor Relations and Stewardship, Office of Alumni Relations & Development

About the role

Serving as the institution’s senior leader for donor relations and stewardship, the Executive Director of Strategic Donor Relations and Stewardship leads the continued evolution of stewardship as a coordinated, donor-centered function across Columbia’s highly decentralized environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with advancement and school/unit leaders to shape and execute a comprehensive University-wide stewardship strategy that reflects institutional priorities, strengthens donor relationships, and the overall donor experience.
• Develop shared stewardship practices, workflows, and engagement approaches that promote meaningful donor recognition, communication, and impact reporting across the University.
• Foster greater alignment, consistency, and collaboration across schools and units while respecting their unique priorities, relationships, and fundraising strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) to nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in donor relations, stewardship, advancement, philanthropy, prospect management, or related fields, including experience supporting principal and major gift stewardship strategy.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives, organizational change, and cross-functional collaboration within complex, decentralized organizations.
• Experience building, developing, and managing high-performing teams, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Qualifications

Salary range: $160,000-$180,000.

Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni Relations and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.