Senior Manager of Donor Engagement & Events

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a portfolio of regional and campus-based donor events, including partnership events during Donor Recognition Weekend, as well as cultivation and stewardship events that strengthen donor engagement and connection to the university.
• Partner with advancement colleagues to design and implement events aligned with fundraising priorities, ensuring each experience supports broader engagement and philanthropic goals while coordinating across the advancement event calendar to minimize overlap and ensure a thoughtful, strategic distribution of donor experiences.
• Oversee the planning and execution of Advancement football and basketball suite experiences, collaborating with athletics and advancement teams to deliver high-quality game-day engagement.
• Manage all suite-related processes, including guest management, coordination, and overall experience design.
• Translate established engagement strategies into actionable event plans, ensuring consistent execution and alignment with donor experience standards across all events.
• Develop detailed timelines and logistical plans for assigned events.
• Oversee event execution, including vendor coordination, on-site management, and post-event follow-up.
• Provide project management oversight to ensure events are delivered on time, within scope, budget, and aligned with institutional expectations for donor relations.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in advancement, event management, or donor engagement.
• Demonstrated success leading complex donor events that involve senior leadership.
• Experience supporting major philanthropic campaigns.
• Experience working with donor boards or volunteers.
• Higher education advancement experience.
• Demonstrated expertise with CRM systems and event technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in advancement, event management, or donor engagement.
• Demonstrated success leading complex donor events that involve senior leadership.
• Experience supporting major philanthropic campaigns.
• Experience working with donor boards or volunteers.
• Higher education advancement experience.
• Demonstrated expertise with CRM systems and event technology.

Payscale Range

Salary Range: $54,000.00 - $60,000.00 annually

University Title

Advancement Senior Manager

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

As One Of Missouri’s Largest Employers, MU Staff Members Enjoy Exceptionally Competitive Health, PTO And Retirement Plans.

Community Information

• Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests.
• Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers.
• Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation.
• Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living.
• Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.