Assistant Director, Donor Engagement

Title: Assistant Director, Donor Engagement
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: Advancement & Foundation Operations

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations reports to the Director of Donor Relations and works to execute a comprehensive and individualized stewardship program for donors and prospects of all levels. The Assistant Director will support the Director in the execution of high-quality events, communications, and other courtesies that 1). Showcase and celebrate the impact of private support; 2). Promote and build upon new and existing giving societies (1857 Society, Heritage Society, President’s Circle); and 3). Create high-quality, individualized experiences for top donors and prospects. 4) Provide stewardship and endowment reporting for donors. This position will also evaluate, track, and measure results of donor engagement activities. The Assistant Director will oversee the development and timely execution of personalized acknowledgement letters, annual endowment and impact reporting, digital engagement strategy fueled by creation of targeted donor journeys through the MarketingCloud platform.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/etirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ 

This position may be eligible for remote work after successful completion of a 12-month probationary period. Eligibility is based upon employee performance, appropriate remote working environment, and business needs.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$51,000 - $59,000 annual

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
2. Minimum of two (2) years of full-time or part-time equivalent professional level experience in marketing, communications, public relations, event planning, brand management, or closely related field.
Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
4. Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues as well as interact with current and prospective donors.
5. Proven skill in tracking and meeting goals and metrics.
6. Ability to meet established deadlines.
7. Demonstrated ability to work as a self-starter and self-motivator.
8. Creative problem-solver who can identify gaps and opportunities and share recommendations to enhance the overall Donor Engagement strategy.
9. Ability to constructively contribute as a member of the Donor Relations team and the entire Donor Engagement team , as well as the Division of University Advancement.
10. Demonstrated ability to behave in a manner that ensures confidentiality of donor data.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated ability to build and manage systems that drive consistency, efficiency, and automation across fundraising operations.
2. Experience creating scalable donor engagement strategies and personalized touchpoints for both annual giving and major giving audiences.
3. Strong communication and technology skills with the ability to leverage segmentation strategies to deliver meaningful access, exclusive experiences, and targeted insider communication to donors.
4. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage long-term projects, and flexibility to deal with changing priorities (familiarity with Asana for project management is a plus).
5. Previous experience with formal business and/or development writing desired.
6. Demonstrated ability to design, build, and optimize customer journey