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Howard University

Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations

Howard University, Washington, DC, United States

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship is a key member of the central office for the Division of Development & Alumni Relations staff and coordinates the implementation of a comprehensive program to effectively steward donors. This position plays a critical role in creating a culture of philanthropy at Howard by maintaining and enhancing the University's relationships with donors. A successful candidate will also supervise individuals who will manage the relationships with academic partners, and the full spectrum of donors, from annual fund to principal gifts. The Director will be a transparent and collaborative team member.

DIMENSIONS:

Indeterminate

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include all Advancement directors, school-based development directors and officers, administrators, deans, faculty, staff and students throughout the University for the purpose of donor relations and stewardship. External contacts include University constituents and service providers in addition to private and public-sector officials.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Develop a comprehensive individual and institutional giving stewardship/engagement plan for all giving levels. Organize stewardship plans for donors across giving level and gift type. This includes, but is not limited to, creating unique and personal stewardship touchpoints, and engaging relevant stakeholders to participate in the stewardship process.
  • Create processes and tracking measures to ensure that donors are receiving attention from the appropriate University officials. Provide written support and project management to include conceptualizing, creating, and producing reports, letters and stewardship pieces including but not limited to the Endowment Reports.
  • Through direct contact with major donors and prospects, collect appropriate information that may have a bearing on future philanthropy; inform relevant development officers and record the information in Raisers Edge.
  • Supervising stewardship professionals working with the full spectrum of donors, from annual fund to presidential prospects. Create performance assessment plans for stewardship team.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • A proven track record of successful supervision.
  • Knowledge of donor relations trends, models and practices as well as ability to forecast and be pro-active.
  • Knowledge of current stewardship techniques and a willingness to innovate.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to clearly articulate and align Howard's mission, vision, and values to donors and donor prospects.
  • Knowledge of and adherence to policies and procedures, recommending changes when necessary.
  • Proven, successful track record in maintaining relationships and stewarding donors.
  • Motivated to meet goals, produce results, and exceed expectations, and enthusiastic about accountability.
  • Knowledge of database software (Raisers Edge NXT) and Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word).
  • Knowledge of research techniques and methodologies.
  • Ability to be detailed oriented, thinking analytically, and use good judgement to make accurate decisions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with students, faculty, staff, university officials, and the general public.
  • Ability to prepare and manage a budget and resources.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in building long-term fundraising relationships. Demonstrated, successful experience in major gift fundraising or marketing and planned giving experience highly desired. Experience in an academic setting preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $102,500 - $122,500