Senior Associate Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship

Senior Associate Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship

Join the application process for the Senior Associate Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship role at Denison University.

The Senior Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship supports initiatives to inspire donors throughout the donor experience. This role develops and implements strategic donor engagement initiatives that enhance relationships, inspire continued giving, and ensure transparency and accountability. This position will also oversee two members of the donor relations team.

• Implement a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
• Create customized stewardship plans for principal donors in consultation with the major gifts team.
• Design and implement impactful donor recognition programs, including events, reports, and personalized communications.
• Write scripts for fundraising events and partner with Advancement Communications and Marketing to create slide shows/videos.
• Work on an annual impact report for all donors to Denison.
• Create stewardship materials such as specialized impact reports, acknowledgment letters, and customized donor updates.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to enhance donor retention and satisfaction.
• Work on donor recognition projects, including naming opportunities and endowment reporting.
• Collaborate on leadership society events and mailings.
• Perform a monthly fund audit, in partnership with the Gifts Administration team, to ensure all endowed funds are fully utilized.
• Provide guidance and support for donor recognition projects, including the production of donor walls, gifts, and signage that align with university standards.
• Work to ensure that a press release, plaque, recognition gift, event announcement, and/or signage for selected major gifts is accomplished.
• Stay informed about best practices in donor relations and stewardship, integrating innovative approaches into daily work.
• Work closely with communications to ensure donor recognition is integrated into university communications and shared with relevant stakeholders.
• Other duties as required.
• Supervision of two staff members, including support staff and administrative staff.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five to seven years of relevant experience in donor relations, stewardship, communications, or fundraising
• Strong ability to work with Google Suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to think both creatively and strategically about donor engagement
• Strong leadership and project management skills

• Supervisory experience
• Raiser’s Edge experience or experience with databases in a non-profit setting
• Experience in a University setting
• Adeptness and positive manner to work well under pressure, handle several projects simultaneously, and reprioritize as needed
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong “can-do,” positive, flexible demeanor

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Other

Higher Education