Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Are you a compelling storyteller with a passion for donor impact? The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for a dynamic professional to elevate the stewardship program.

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship is responsible for developing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies to advance innovative and comprehensive donor engagement for supporters of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation.

This role partners closely with the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy and advancement leadership to design, execute, and continuously strengthen stewardship, recognition, and engagement initiatives that deepen relationships and enhance philanthropic impact.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic donor relations and stewardship plans that align with college and foundation priorities and support long-term donor retention and growth.
• Collaborate with advancement leadership to craft compelling language and messaging, stewardship communications, impact reporting, and broader engagement initiatives.
• Plan and execute in-person and virtual donor events both on campus and regionally, in partnership with the development team, ensuring a high-quality, mission-aligned donor experience.
• Coordinate donor meetings on and off campus, supporting donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Manage the creation, production, and distribution of stewardship reports and donor communications that clearly articulate the impact of philanthropic support.
• Serve as a key resource to the CVM philanthropy team and university stewardship office to ensure coordinated and consistent donor engagement practices.
• Collaborate in broader strategic planning efforts to strengthen donor and volunteer engagement across the college.
• Oversee and enhance signature recognition programs, including the Walk of Honor and Gallop of Honor, ensuring effective program management and continued relevance.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience & Strategic Stewardship: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development or higher education advancement, with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and scaling innovative donor engagement and stewardship strategies.
• Communication & Impact Storytelling: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in developing donor-centered messaging, impact reporting, and digital engagement materials to foster long-term donor relationships.
• Event & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, signature donor events and experiential engagement initiatives from concept to execution, managing multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• Data & Technical Proficiency: Expert proficiency in CRM systems and advancement databases, including the ability to manage donor data, interpret metrics, and utilize digital marketing platforms to drive engagement and reporting.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with experience collaborating with senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders, including supervisory or project leadership experience within a complex organizational structure.