Principal Stewardship Officer

Overview

Roger Williams University is seeking a strategic, creative, and forward‑thinking self‑starter to serve as Principal Stewardship Officer for our Leadership Gift Advancement team. This role offers the chance to build meaningful connections with donors and partners, develop innovative ways to express gratitude, share impact, and enhance the philanthropic journey of our most generous supporters.

• Partner strategically with fundraisers, advancement partners, campus leadership, and university stakeholders to ensure seamless and exceptional donor experiences.
• Manage stewardship activities, from surprise and delight moments to impact reporting, driving long‑term donor engagement.
• Collaborate across the organization to anticipate needs and deliver polished, meaningful stewardship experiences.
• Contribute to the long‑term vision of donor engagement at the highest levels.

• Strong initiative to drive stewardship strategy as part of the Principal and Transformational Giving team.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of donors and support projects with competing priorities and varying requirements.
• Expertise in presenting recommendations that align with industry best practices for stewardship.
• Experience crafting donor experiences for high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Ability to work collegially in a complex organizational setting and support mutual goals.
• Comfort facilitating meetings and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Timely response to donor inquiries via phone, email, or in person.
• Discretion in handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and multi‑project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
• Research, fact‑checking, and proofreading expertise.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 1–3 years of professional experience in fundraising, public relations, senior customer service, or a similar role, preferably in higher education or large complex institutions.
• Project management experience preferred.

Salary range: $57,000–$62,000, commensurate with experience and education. The salary for this position is $55,623–$70,000 as per the university’s midpoint ranges.

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. For information on our Non‑Discrimination policy, visit here. RWU prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities in accordance with Title IX and related regulations.

Complaints of sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone: (401) 254‑3123 / Email: jstanley