"Director of Advancement Administration & Donor Stewardship"

Job Details

Dakota State University is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Director of Advancement Administration & Donor Stewardship to join our Advancement team. This leadership role is critical in ensuring operational excellence, financial integrity, and meaningful donor engagement that supports DSU’s mission and growth. This position reports directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement but will work closely with the campus Business Office to ensure compliance with state, federal, and foundation regulations aligned with advancement practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management: Under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA), partner with the University’s Assistant Controller to guide and oversee the Advancement Unit’s financial management on behalf of the DSU Foundation, including budgeting, purchasing, and fund stewardship.
• Gift Processing: Under the direction of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA), and in partnership with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and the University Assistant Controller, ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing, acknowledgment, and reconciliation of all charitable gifts in accordance with IRS regulations, CASE standards, and audit requirements.
• Donor Stewardship: Provide leadership in the design and execution of a comprehensive donor recognition and stewardship program. Develop personalized impact reports and stewardship communications for major and endowed donors and coordinate annual donor recognition and appreciation initiatives. Executing this responsibility will require partnering closely with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and the Alumni Relations Officer to ensure a consistent, high-touch donor experience.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Advancement leadership, Alumni Relations, Athletics, and University Events teams to deliver cohesive philanthropy strategies and impactful events.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure accurate gift processing and reconciliation in partnership with the Business Office; support annual audits and generate financial and philanthropic reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Data & Systems Oversight: Manage DSU’s CRM platform (Raiser’s Edge/Blackbaud) for data accuracy and reporting integrity; develop dashboards and analytics to measure engagement and giving performance.
• Supervision: Direct and mentor the Assistant Director of Finance & Administration, ensuring accurate gift processing, data entry, and acknowledgment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting, or related field required.
• Experience in financial administration and donor stewardship.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or Financial Edge preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Commitment to confidentiality.
• Outstanding customer service.

Benefits:

• Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
• Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage
• Paid family leave

How to Apply:
DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and a list of at least three references.

DSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and DSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing DSU-HumanResources@dsu.edu.
E-Verify, EOE.