"Associate Director, Donor Relations"

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Donor Relations plays a key leadership role in advancing the College’s stewardship, recognition, and impact reporting efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumni & Donor Relations, this position leads the design and execution of thoughtful, donor-centered strategies that strengthen relationships with benefactors, reinforce the value of philanthropy, and enhance the overall donor experience.

The Associate Director manages stewardship for endowed and major gifts, oversees the College’s donor recognition systems, develops compelling impact communications, and partners closely with colleagues in Advancement, Finance, Academic Affairs, and the President’s Office. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, a strategic thinker, and a skilled project manager with an appreciation for the mission, values, and priorities of a Jesuit institution.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Stewardship & Impact Reporting

• Lead the full cycle of stewardship for endowed and major gifts, ensuring donors receive accurate, timely, and personally meaningful updates.
• Manage the annual endowment and scholarship reporting process, including financial summaries, narrative content, and custom donor communications.
• Collaborate with Financial Services to verify fund performance and ensure accuracy of reporting.
• Develop impact stories and donor features that highlight the transformative power of philanthropy.
• Partner with the Major Gifts and Annual Giving teams to craft stewardship plans for priority initiatives and campaigns.

Acknowledgment & Recognition

• Oversee acknowledgment processes for high-level gifts, including drafting and coordinating personalized letters, celebration packages, and leadership-level acknowledgments.
• Maintain the College’s inventory of named spaces, endowed funds, and recognition opportunities, ensuring accuracy across print, digital, and physical platforms.
• Manage donor recognition installations, signage projects, and opportunities for naming dedications.
• Ensure consistency in donor recognition standards and compliance with institutional policies.

Events & Donor Engagement

• Plan and execute donor recognition events such as scholarship celebrations, dedications, receptions, and other mission-centered touchpoints.
• Develop event materials, remarks, briefings, signage, and follow-up communications.
• Partner with the Senior Director to support stewardship for the Magis Society and other high-level donor groups.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Serve as project lead for major donor communications pieces, including the Year in Review, impact booklets, and stewardship campaigns.
• Work collaboratively across the Advancement division and with cross-campus partners to ensure alignment and excellence in donor-facing efforts.
• Maintain accurate donor data in the CRM and ensure integrity of stewardship records, reporting histories, and recognition details.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in donor relations, communications, or advancement, preferably in higher education or a mission-driven nonprofit.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft personalized, compelling, and high-quality donor communications.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to handle multiple complex projects with deadlines.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with colleagues across departments.
• Experience with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, etc.) is preferred.
• Familiarity with endowment or scholarship fund management is preferred.
• Experience producing impact reports, donor recognition installations, or special-event communications is preferred.
• Knowledge of or experience within a Jesuit or mission-based institution is preferred.
• Standard office environment with flexibility for some evening/weekend events.
• Occasional local travel for meetings and events.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position please go to the link, click the 'Apply Now' button and submit the required materials for consideration:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position
• Current resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references