Director of Donor Engagement

Job DetailsJob Location: Jersey City, NJ 07306Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary/yearAbout Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter’s offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master’s level and doctorate programs.

Job Summary

The Director of Donor Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s donor stewardship and engagement efforts, with a particular focus on donor-supported scholarships and awards. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Advancement Operations and Analytics, this role works collaboratively across Advancement, Financial Aid, and other campus partners to ensure the successful, timely, and mission-aligned awarding of donor funds. The Director is responsible for creating meaningful donor experiences that strengthen long-term relationships, demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, and support the university’s fundraising goals. This position serves as the primary coordinator for gift agreements and campaign pledge documentation, oversees donor acknowledgements from senior leadership, stewardship communications, and all stewardship events, and will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive 3–5 year strategic plan for donor engagement. This includes the direct management of giving societies and board-level logistics. The Director also provides direct supervision, mentorship, and leadership to the Donor Engagement Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

Lead the university’s donor stewardship and engagement strategy to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences across all donor segments.


Develop and implement a 3–5 year strategic plan for donor engagement that aligns with institutional priorities and Advancement goals.


Design and oversee stewardship programs that demonstrate donor impact, strengthen donor relationships, and encourage continued philanthropic support.


Steward the 1872 Society in collaboration with the Vice President and AVP of Leadership and Planned Giving, while partnering with the Director of Planned Giving on the Pavonia Heritage Society and the Annual Giving team on the President’s Circle and Pavo Loyalty Societies.


Ensure timely, accurate, and thoughtful donor recognition and acknowledgement, including presidential and vice-presidential thank-you letters.


Oversee specialized correspondence and high-level stewardship for VIP donors, including condolence letters, Luster letters, grant acknowledgments, and honor/memorial letters.


Establish standards, timelines, and best practices for stewardship activities and communications.

Scholarship & Award Administration

Work closely with Financial Aid and other internal partners to ensure donor-supported scholarships and awards are awarded accurately, equitably, and on schedule.


Serve as a primary liaison between Advancement and Financial Aid on all matters related to donor-funded scholarships.


Act as the central coordinator for the drafting, review, and execution of all gift agreements to ensure institutional alignment and donor intent.


Oversee processes and communications related to scholarship stewardship, including donor impact reporting and student thank-you correspondence.


Coordinate the administration and recognition of Michaelmas and Commencement Awards.


Facilitate donor meetings with recipients to foster engagement and illustrate the impact of giving.


Monitor compliance with donor intent, gift agreements, and institutional policies related to scholarship and award funds.

Stewardship Events & Communications

Provide strategic oversight for the planning, execution, and evaluation of all stewardship events, including donor recognition events, scholarship receptions, and impact-focused gatherings.


Work with the Leadership & Planned Giving team to strategize and implement dinners and receptions at Guarini House.


Collaborate with Marketing and Communications and other partners to develop stewardship messaging that reflects the university’s mission, values, and donor expectations.


Ensure stewardship events and communications are inclusive, meaningful, and aligned with best practices in donor engagement.

Management & Leadership

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development for the Donor Engagement Coordinator.


Set clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations for the coordinator, ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional objectives.


Manage the lifecycle of campaign pledge documentation, ensuring all multi-year