Benefactor Relations Specialist

Company Description

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Job Description

Summary of Position

The Benefactor Relations Specialist is a strategic partner within Augsburg University’s Institutional Advancement (IA) team. This position develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive benefactor engagement and stewardship program designed to support the short- and long-term advancement goals, and is responsible for managing and executing all aspects of donor relations and stewardship.

Primary Responsibilities

Division Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive cultivation and stewardship program that enhances Augsburg’s recognition of and accountability to its donors.
• Partner with gift officers, IA leadership, campus partners, and volunteer leaders to develop and execute strategies for benefactor engagement and stewardship.
• Provide high-level support to the Vice President and Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement in order to ensure overall strategies to engage, solicit, and steward gifts at the highest level are executed.
• Build out and manage a comprehensive stewardship plan for benefactors at all levels in order to grow generosity with the institution.

Engagement and Stewardship:

• Partner with gift officers, University leaders, faculty and staff partners, and volunteer leaders to execute experiences and connections that are appropriate for each individual or family, arranging creative and inspiring experiences both on and off-campus.
• Lead, manage and facilitate follow up for all major and principal level benefactor campus visits.
• In collaboration with the Senior Philanthropic Communications Specialist, plan, manage and execute meetings and events that advance benefactor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship of gifts.
• Coordinate with campus partners and departments to make the IA division aware of student activities, events and other opportunities to demonstrate impact for Augsburg’s benefactors.
• Find opportunities to connect and engage donors and their fund recipients, including creating or identifying opportunities and events to connect donors to the impact of their philanthropy.
• Lead efforts to envision, plan, and execute all donor recognition and stewardship events.
• Manage the bi-weekly thank-you letters from the University President.

Gift Reporting and Recognition:

• Manage processes that standardize gift acknowledgements at all levels.
• Partner with Advancement Services to ensure accurate and timely benefactor communications.
• Create giving reports to principal gift donors in concert with the Senior Philanthropic Communications Specialist.
• Create periodic endowment and fund allocation reports.
• Systematically review all gifts and endowment funds and collaborate with the University’s finance office in generating the necessary financial reports.
• Manage compliance with donor intent on gift direction and use by coordinating with finance, academic departments, financial aid and Institutional Advancement.
• Develop and manage processes that ensure Augsburg volunteers feel engaged and appreciated.
• Manage tangible donor recognition, including gifts of appreciation, plaques, etc.

Additional Responsibilities

• Partner with departments across campus to ensure experiences are planned and communicated effectively and represent the University, its rich history, current students, and future pursuits.
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy and gratitude among current faculty, staff and students, alumni and friends of Augsburg.
• Coordinate with IA colleagues by facilitating meetings, individual check ins and sharing email signals to the division.