Assistant Director of Donor Relations

Openings
: 1

JOB SUMMARY: Direct, lead, and develop the comprehensive plan and implementation of stewardship and recognition for donors to Gustavus. This includes development and advancement of programs, events, procedures, budgets, and materials that assure accurate, timely, and appropriate tracking and interaction between the College, its donors and prospective donors, in an effort to strengthen relationships and achieve fundraising goals. Cultivate a donor-centric environment of gratitude and appreciation by communicating and demonstrating the impact of philanthropic support and inspiring alumni, parents, and friends to support the College to their fullest potential.

Salary Range: $54,000-$60,000 annually

• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that aligns with the College’s strategic plan and Advancement’s goals.
• Develop and maintain a framework for donor recognition and engagement, ensuring consistent, personalized, and meaningful interactions across all giving levels.
• Assess, refine, and maintain stewardship policies, procedures, and best practices. Drive departmental and campus-wide implementation.

• Orchestrate a streamlined, personalized system for expressing gratitude from students, faculty, and executive leadership to donors, ensuring both timely and impactful acknowledgments.
• Optimize recognition practices and engagement opportunities for existing and future Giving Societies.
• Lead signage efforts to recognize donor generosity. Coordinate with Facilities, Marketing, and external vendors to design, produce, and install all recognition on campus.
• Partner with College leadership to conceptualize and produce strategic stewardship and campaign events that cultivate relationships with constituents, supporters, and major donor prospects. Drive the end-to-end planning of receptions, luncheons, dinners, dedications, groundbreakings, grand-openings, athletics suite hosting, and other events ensuring positive experiences.
• Represent donor stewardship at Advancement’s Leadership meetings and work closely with Gift Planners, Advancement Services, Prospect Research, Planned Giving, Annual Fund, and Alumni and Parent Engagement to ensure the holistic approach to a donor’s philanthropic journey.

• Oversee the creation and distribution of all stewardship materials highlighting donor impact. Develop and design strategic donor-targeted marketing material and language content related to funds and programs.
• Coordinate with departments across campus to build articulate, compelling, and visually appealing cases for support of Gustavus projects and programs.
• Partner with the Marketing and Communication department to ensure materials and stories are available to steward and inspire donors.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, providing exceptional customer service and fostering meaningful engagement that strengthens relationships with the College's donors.
• Collaborate with Gift Planners for pre-solicit gift agreement concepts and gift instrument development for endowed and current restricted gifts. Ensure that departments across the College are aware of relevant donor expectations, and donors are appropriately updated on use of gifted funds.
• Cultivate and strengthen rapport with various offices and academic departments across campus. Represent Advancement in cross-divisional efforts, as it relates to donor stewardship and donor intent for fund use. Engage proactively with key partners in the Office of the President, Provost, Finance, Marketing…