Associate Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of stewardship and donor engagement programs that strengthen relationships between Ithaca College and its philanthropic supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations, this role partners with Advancement leadership, frontline fundraisers, and campus stakeholders to design and execute stewardship strategies that recognize donor generosity, promote continued engagement, and support the College’s fundraising priorities. The Associate Director oversees key stewardship programs, including donor recognition initiatives, giving society engagement, and stewardship reporting, while ensuring the systems and processes supporting donor engagement are effective, scalable, and aligned with best practices in advancement.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the infrastructure that supports donor stewardship across the Division of Advancement, utilizing CRM systems, reporting tools, and data insights to enhance donor experiences and strengthen institutional stewardship practices.

Key Responsibilities

Stewardship Strategy and Program Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship strategy that recognizes and engages donors at all levels and supports the College’s fundraising and relationship-building goals.
• Partner with the Director of Donor Relations and Advancement leadership to identify opportunities to enhance donor recognition, stewardship reporting, and engagement initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of stewardship programs and initiatives using data and donor engagement metrics to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making.

Donor Recognition and Engagement Programs

• Provide strategic oversight of giving society programs including Blue & Gold, Athletics Giving Societies, and Friends of Ithaca College, ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities and effective communication with members.
• Develop and manage donor acknowledgment strategies that ensure timely, personalized recognition of philanthropic support across the institution.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, faculty, and staff to facilitate donor recognition opportunities that strengthen connections between donors and the impact of their philanthropy.

Data Strategy and Stewardship Infrastructure

• Lead stewardship tracking and reporting within the advancement CRM system, ensuring accurate documentation of donor engagement and recognition activities.
• Develop systems and processes that improve stewardship reporting, donor tracking, and internal collaboration across Advancement.
• Utilize CRM and reporting tools to analyze donor engagement data, identify trends, and support informed decision-making within the Division of Advancement.

Advancement Collaboration and Institutional Engagement

• Partner with Advancement colleagues and campus partners to support donor engagement initiatives including stewardship events, donor visits, and institutional recognition opportunities.
• Provide strategic support for high-level stewardship initiatives involving College leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues to ensure donor stewardship activities align with fundraising priorities and institutional messaging.

Budget and Vendor Management

• Assist in the development and management of operational budgets related to donor relations and stewardship initiatives.
• Monitor expenditures related to stewardship programs, subscriptions, and vendor partnerships.
• Serve as a liaison with external vendors supporting donor relations initiatives and ensure effective coordination of contracted services.

Professional Engagement and Best Practices

• Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in donor relations, stewardship, and advancement operations.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and peer networks to enhance stewardship programs and bring innovative approaches to donor engagement at Ithaca College.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in advancement, donor relations, nonprofit development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and coordinating initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with advancement CRM systems and donor databases, with the ability to analyze and interpret donor engagement data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare donor communications and collaborate effectively with institutional leadership.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the institution to support donor engagement and stewardship initiatives.
• Commitment to contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful campus community.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range

$68,000-$70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Healthcare including vision and dental
• Generous Paid Time Off Policies
• 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution
• EAP
• Flexible Work Plans
• Educational Benefits
• Career-Enhancing Trainings
• For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit