Director of Donor Stewardship

Job no: 521320

Work type: On Campus

Location: Normal, Illinois

Title: Director of Donor Stewardship

Division Name: University Advancement

Department: Development-Fundraising

Campus

Location:

Normal, IL

Effective donor stewardship is an essential element of successful fundraising. As a vital component of the fundraising team, the Director of Donor Stewardship is responsible for providing university-wide leadership for donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement activities that support fundraising priorities across annual, major, and principal gift programs. The position exercises independent professional judgment in the development, coordination, and execution of donor engagement strategies and serves as a strategic partner and advisor to fundraising staff and campus leadership in the retention and growth of donors in order to maximize fundraising success.

The role ensures donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with institutional priorities, campaign strategy, and donor intent throughout the fundraising lifecycle.

The Development-Fundraising Unit is responsible for securing and stewarding private philanthropic support that advances the University’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial sustainability. As a results-driven partner to university leadership, Development-Fundraising builds and manages relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and friends, translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that drive measurable outcomes, sustained fundraising growth, and enduring confidence.

$70,000 - $82,000

• 1. Bachelor’s degree.
• 2. Three (3) years of experience in philanthropy, advancement, stewardship, or a related professional field.
• 3. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• 4. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in a professional setting.
• 5. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• 6. Experience using data or systems to support decision-making or process improvement.
• 7. Experience managing personnel.

• 1. Experience working in higher education or a comparably complex organization.
• 2. Knowledge of endowment fund administration and private donor scholarship processes.
• 3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior university leadership, foundation board members, and major or principal-level donors.

8am – 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and/or weekends.

• 1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
• 2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods of time.
• 3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
• 4. Use standard office equipment and technology to perform essential job functions.
• 5. Occasionally work evenings and weekends as required to activities, events, and priorities.

March 2026

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Please Note
:
These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Jillian Nelson, , jyoun
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This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing…