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Jacksonville University

Associate Director, Donor Relations & Steward

Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida, United States, 32290


Job Summary

The Office of External Affairs oversees University Advancement, Marketing, Communications, Government Relations, Economic Development, and Community Engagement and leads the engagement efforts for Jacksonville University. The Office of External Affairs develops, shapes, and oversees communications, connections, and engagement within and beyond campus to enhance the University’s reputation, drive revenue, and advance its mission and vision. Jacksonville University’s Office of External Affairs seeks to recruit a talented and experienced advancement professional for the position of Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, this position will strategize, develop, implement, manage, and assess a comprehensive donor relations plan to enhance the advancement efforts of Jacksonville University. Through timely acknowledgment letters, print and digital publications, special events, and personal interactions, the Director of Donor Relations will ensure compliance with donor intention as well as high-quality interactions that foster long-term engagement and investment in Jacksonville University.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Effectively develop and utilize student workers to meet deadlines and deliver results.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Communicate Philanthropic Impact

Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive donor engagement and recognition strategy that includes communications illustrating the impact of donors’ gifts, such as endowment reports, impact reports, personalized messages, and content that supports donor retention and growth.

Work with campus partners to research and audit how the gift was used and report back to the donor.

Establish and maintain long-term recognition opportunities (naming spaces, plaque size, etc.).

Develop, maintain, and share internally a donor-centric annual calendar of communications and reporting activities to ensure regular and meaningful touchpoints with donors and maintain their engagement over time.

Create, manage, and execute a donor relations matrix according to the level of the gift including all recognition societies and their benefits.

Engage in marketing and communications efforts related to donor relations/stewardship program; may include writing for print and online publications.

Stewardship

Structure and implement a team-wide effort to conduct intentional/targeted donor thank-you visits across the University.

Write acknowledgment letters and manage the acknowledgment process.

Participate in the strategic and long-range planning for new initiatives and programs designed to enhance the donor relations and/or stewardship activities of initiatives across campus including the Future. Made. Campaign.

Work closely with the President’s Office to facilitate and implement donor relations and stewardship at the most significant levels for the campus.

Donor Engagement

Lead and support in-person donor relations activities such as visit planning, tours of campus, and events.

Lead the priority scholarship programming for the University.

Promote interactions between scholarship recipients and donors, as well as communicate gratitude and celebrate philanthropy on an ongoing basis.

Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Events & Campus Experience for all donor-related events. Tasks include creating invitations and guest lists, tracking RSVPs, and supporting the planning and implementation of the events as requested.

Collaborate with front-line fundraisers to engage donors and prospects in the university's life and demonstrate that their gifts have a tangible impact.

Reporting/Other

Manage a budget.

This position evaluates, tracks, and measures results of communications activities and special events.

This position collaborates with the Office of Financial Affairs to ensure timely scholarship awarding and notification to students and donors. Maintain ongoing and active networking with internal and external constituencies.

Manage an engagement portfolio for priority scholarship donors.

Required Skills/Abilities:

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of best practices in gift agreements, acknowledgments, and reporting. They will have strong written and oral communication skills, project management, and outstanding interpersonal skills. The incumbent must have a comprehensive understanding of methods to foster productive donor/trustee relations and knowledge of a complex fundraising program in a University setting. Must utilize a broad knowledge of fundraising and donor relations strategies, conduct periodic review of donor recognition, and be highly tactful, diplomatic, and attentive in personal contacts.

Evening/weekend work is often required. This position may require the incumbent to travel and entertain through the state and region.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of donor relations, fundraising experience, or relatable experience.

Preferred Experience: Preference will be given to candidates with nonprofit donor relations/engagement experience, particularly with a private college or university.

Knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.

Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.

Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

Important Note:

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

Acknowledgment:

I acknowledge submission of an application confirms receipt and understanding of this job description. I verify that I am capable of and willing to fulfill all essential functions of this position. I am willing to be flexible and willing to do various jobs that are not listed, as the need arises.

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