Director of Donor Relations

The Director of Donor Relations is responsible for creating and sustaining a comprehensive donor relations program, including distribution of annual fund usage reports, preparation of gift acknowledgement letters for the President and Vice President, execution of special donor recognition events, ongoing review and refresh of donor recognition societies, and—in partnership with the Vice President and gift officers—preparation of stewardship plans for the University’s most generous benefactors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Donor Acknowledgement and Reporting: is responsible for the preparation of acknowledgement letters and annual donor fund reports.

• Drafts gift acknowledgement letters six to eight times annually for the President and Vice President.
• Works closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Engagement Services to secure contribution and market values for endowed and large expendable funds.
• Works closely with the Provost’s Office and Office of Financial Aid to secure fund usage information.
• Oversees the annual preparation of donor stewardship reports.

Donor Recognition: has primary responsibility for all aspects of donor stewardship and recognition.

• Works closely with the Vice President, the Associate Vice President and the Director of Annual Giving to review and occasionally update the University’s donor recognition societies.
• Works closely with the Vice President, the Associate Vice President and major gift officers to develop stewardship plans for the University’s most generous benefactors (lifetime giving of $250,000 or more).

Event Planning: works closely with the Associate Vice President as well as colleagues in facilities and dining services on donor recognition events.

• Organizes and executes the annual Patrick Henry and President’s Dinners.
• Works closely with the Vice President, the Associate Vice President and major gift officers on smaller recognition events for donors who make larger major as well as principal gifts.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Required Experience:

• At least three years experience in fundraising or alumni engagement, preferably in higher education, or in a related field and work environment.

Competency:

• Attention to detail.
• Ability to write clearly and adjust voice and tone to different audiences.
• Ability to synthesize data into concise reports.
• Basic understanding of endowments and how they work.
• Basic graphic design ability.
• Familiarity with alumni and development data platforms, preferably a Blackbaud product.
• Ability to work independently and to complete multiple projects in a timely manner.