Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The Director of Donor Engagement and Stewardship is responsible for developing and implementing stewardship strategies to enhance relationships with donors at all levels, ensuring they feel appreciated and engaged, and maintaining their long-term support for the institution. This role involves overseeing donor stewardship programs, recognizing contributions, and communicating the impact of their gifts on the institution's mission. This role is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship strategy that supports the institution's fundraising goals. The Director of Donor Engagement and Stewardship is a key leadership position within the development team, focused on building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with frontline fundraisers, campus partners, donors and other Foundation colleagues. This role will also collaborate in building the donor pipeline and strategies surrounding annual giving and leadership annual giving. SPECIFIC DUTIES: Donor Stewardship: Build and maintain strong relationships with key donors, fostering ongoing engagement and support. Develop and implement stewardship programs to ensure donors are recognized and appreciated for their contributions. Oversee the ideation of personalized stewardship strategies for major donors, including customized communications and reports. Ensure timely and accurate acknowledgment of all donations, including letters, reports and other forms of recognition. The development of consistent donor gift proposals. Engagement Management: Collaborate with research and development teams to identify and carry a small portfolio of donors in permanent stewardship. Work closely with directors of development and the advancement events team to align stewardship activities with donor interests and institutional priorities. Impact Reporting: Manage the process for creating and delivering impact reports that demonstrate the value of donors’ contributions. Collaborate with colleagues and units across campus to gather data and stories that highlight the impact of donor support on students, faculty, and programs. Recognition Programs: Oversee the design and implementation of donor recognition programs, such as naming opportunities, donor walls, and other forms of public acknowledgment, ensuring they are consistent with the institution’s branding and messaging. Collaboration & Leadership: Collaborate with other members of the advancement team to align donor engagement and stewardship strategies with overall fundraising goals. Work in collaboration with the Advancement Events team on donor stewardship events, such as Donor Recognition Events. Provide leadership and guidance to staff involved in donor engagement and stewardship activities. Stay informed about best practices in donor engagement and stewardship and integrate them into the institution’s strategies. Partner with the advancement communications team to develop collateral and maintain overall brand while incorporating unique and personal touches on deliverables. Data Management & Analysis: Utilize data and analytics to assess the effectiveness of stewardship programs and make data-driven decisions to enhance donor engagement. Support the data management of donor records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required (communications, nonprofit management, public relations, etc.). 5 years’ experience in donor engagement/stewardship, preferably in higher education. Demonstrated experience developing a stewardship program from inception. Strong leadership, collaboration & communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects & meet deadlines. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans. Proficiency in donor management systems and CRM software.