Program Manager of Development, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

About the Role

The Division of University Relations seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Program Manager, Development for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). This role is critical in fostering meaningful connections with donors, alumni, parents, friends, and faculty while supporting the College’s development strategy and programs. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer/Assistant Dean of External Relations of the College, the Program Manager will implement a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program to strategically engage prospects, donors, and key stakeholders for fundraising purposes.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level operational and strategic support to the Chief Development Officer and, as needed, the Dean, focusing on strengthening donor stewardship systems and delivering high-quality donor engagement.
• Develop meeting and event briefings, manage the unit’s budget, and create stewardship strategies and communications to deepen donor relationships, encourage renewed and increased giving, and move annual donors toward major gift engagement.
• Ensure consistent and effective stewardship and donor relations practices, working with departments to use scholarship, program, and endowment funds in accordance with donor intent and communicate their impact to donors.
• Create compelling stewardship communications, including acknowledgment letters, emails, impact reports, and videos, in collaboration with the College’s Communications team.
• Support select donor events that advance fundraising and engagement goals.
• Maintain accurate College of Agriculture and Natural Resources information in constituent relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Manage a portfolio of 25–35 annual-gift prospects and donors, developing personalized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward their support.
• Identify annual donors with potential for major-gift consideration and work with the Chief Development Officer to vet and add them to the development pipeline.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to plan and manage the College’s participation in Giving Day and Giving Tuesday.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in scholarship activities, gift administration, stewardship, or donor relations.
• Additional work experience may substitute for up to four (4) years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Knowledge of donor and alumni-related policies, procedures, and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and interpret/apply policies and regulations.

Preferences

• Experience using donor contact management systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce).
• Proficiency with digital design and communication platforms for creating visually compelling donor impact reports, email solicitations, and stewardship communications.
• Experience supporting donor events.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Some local travel may be required.

Additional Details

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA. The salary range is $71,857–$86,000. Financial disclosure is required. Background checks are mandatory, and employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) must be completed.