Position Information
Position Title
Philanthropy and Engagement - Assistant Director of Donor
Engagement
Classification Title
Administrative Full Time (.75-1.0 FTE)
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligibility
Department
Philanthropy & Engagement
Job Description
Overview: The Assistant Director of Donor Engagement is
responsible for the administration and stewardship of intentional,
meaningful, and personalized donor engagement. Supervised by the
Director of Donor Engagement, the Assistant Director implements
donor engagement plans, develops stewardship strategies for various
donor types, and coordinates donor engagement events. This role
also has responsibilities that require collaboration with academic
departments, annual giving, senior philanthropy advisors, and the
President’s and Provost’s Offices to ensure donor intent is honored
and that donors receive personalized stewardship.
Key Responsibilities:
- Produce yearly impact reports for funds, including but not
limited to the Hope Fund, Anchored Tuition, Spring Break Immersion
Trips, SEED, current Restricted Discretionary Funds and for Current
Restricted gifts with donors.
Work with the annual giving team to create, plan, and implement
behavior-based donor engagement plans for all donors, prioritizing
leadership, first-time, planned-giving, recurring, giving days and
young alumni.
Hire, train, manage and mentor the donor engagement student
workers to help implement behavior-based donor stewardship.
Responsible for the administration of donor engagement
stewardship through current platforms (e.g., Slate, Pledgemine, and
Thankview systems).
Coordinate logistical and programmatic aspects of the following
events and programs: Encore Events, Scholarship Luncheons, and the
Spirit of Hope Luncheon, including Academic Departments, Athletics,
and Program events. Will include attendance at these events on
weekends and at night.
Work collaboratively with the peer Assistant Director of Donor
Engagement to support the Endowed Scholarship Program, including
assigning need-based scholarships and coordinating with
departments.
Responsible for the implementation of donor engagement plans,
which include building relationships through special
acknowledgments, coordinating donor visits, donor recognition
(signage, gifts, requests), anniversaries, and celebrations through
virtual, phone and in-person interactions. Will include attendance
at these events on weekends and at night.
Ensure accurate, timely documentation of all relationship
management activities in the College’s CRM, including call notes,
strategy steps and related documentation.
Collaborate with Alumni Engagement and Family Engagement
colleagues on administrative, programming, and event planning and
logistics. Will include attendance at these events on weekends and
at night.
Represent Hope College at donor events and engage effectively
with diverse constituencies.
Engage with peer institutions to stay informed on best
practices for donor relations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree (education, hospitality, communications, or a
related field preferred) with at least one year of experience
working in an office setting required (education, hospitality,
communications, or a related field preferred)
- 5+ years of donor engagement experience in donor stewardship,
event coordination, data management or a related field
- Donor engagement experience in developing data-driven
strategies, best practices, and managing segmented audiences
- Project management experience, with the ability to handle
multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a strong
attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel), Google Suite and CRM
/email marketing platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Slate,
MailChimp)
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability
to manage relationships with diverse individuals and groups
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and
external stakeholders and maintain positive professional
relationships
- Internally driven and self-motivated towards excellence and
innovation
- Enthusiasm for building relationships and fostering connections
between Hope College and its constituents
Physical Demands
This position requires remaining in a sitting or standing position
for frequent periods of time; uses office machinery such as a
computers, printers, copy machines; Occasionally involves moving
items over 10 pounds; frequently will move between different
offices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communication
abilities. In the case of temporary or permanent condition(s) that
require(s) accommodation(s), reasonable accommodation(s) may be
requested.
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check.
Some positions may have position specific requirements, such as
education/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drug
screening, credit checks and/or transportation record review.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2026-004SR
Job Posting Open Date
08/18/2026
Job Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Is this position available for sponsorship
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a cover letter and resume.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
