Associate Director of Development and Donor Relations

Essential Job Duties

Poole College of Management is seeking a strategic and relationship-focused professional to serve as the Associate Director of Development and Donor Relations. This position plays a vital role in advancing the college's fundraising and engagement goals by building meaningful connections with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders while demonstrating the impact of philanthropic support.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and working closely with the development and external relations team, the Associate Director will lead donor relations and stewardship efforts that strengthen engagement, enhance the donor experience, and support annual, major, and planned giving initiatives.

Key Responsibilities, include but not limited to:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship strategy that supports fundraising priorities and strengthens long-term donor engagement.
• Lead the creation and delivery of donor-focused communications across digital, print, and social media platforms to effectively communicate impact and inspire continued support.
• Collaborate with University Advancement and campus partners to ensure alignment with institutional priorities, policies, and best practices.
• Oversee stewardship initiatives, including gift acknowledgments, donor recognition programs, and customized engagement strategies tailored to donor interests and giving levels.
• Partner with the Marketing and Communications team to produce fundraising and engagement materials, including appeals, newsletters, annual reports, and donor stories.
• Manage scholarship and endowment stewardship activities to ensure compliance with donor intent and university guidelines.
• Coordinate reporting for endowed and current-use funds, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and effective utilization in collaboration with campus partners.
• Identify innovative opportunities to enhance donor engagement and elevate the overall donor experience.
• Supervise student staff and support the daily operations of donor relations activities.
• Contribute to budget planning and operational management within the Office of Development and External Relations.

Work Environment

This position is part of a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to advancing the success of Poole College of Management and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• The Associate Director will also provide support to general development inquiries and assistance donors-related with activities (gift processing, tax receipting, pledge administration, events, and various other topics), as required or assigned.
• Occasional night and weekend work are required.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational, analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex donor relations and fundraising concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in donor relations, stewardship, and fundraising support.
• Professional, reliable, adaptable, and self-motivated with sound judgment and discretion.
• Proven ability to collaborate across teams, manage multiple projects, and work independently or collaboratively.
• Proficiency with CRM/database systems (e.g., Advance), Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines accurately.
• Knowledge of or experience in higher education fundraising, marketing, or communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five year of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in a University work setting.
• Experience leading fundraising engagement and alumni relations preferred.