Program Manager, Development, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (VPUR)

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer/Assistant Dean of External Relations of the College, the Program Manager will work to implement a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that strategically engages prospects, donors and key stakeholders for the purpose of fundraising.

The Program Manager will provide high-level operational and strategic support to the Chief Development Officer and, as needed, the Dean, with a primary focus on strengthening donor stewardship systems and delivering meaningful, high-quality donor engagement. The position will develop meeting and event briefings, manage the unit's budget, and create stewardship strategies and communications that deepen donor relationships, encourage renewed and increased giving, and help move annual donors toward major gift engagement.

The person in this role will ensure consistent and effective stewardship and donor relations practices, working closely with departments to encourage the timely and appropriate use of scholarship, program, and endowment funds in accordance with donor intent and to communicate the impact of those investments to donors. The Program Manager will develop compelling stewardship communications, including acknowledgment letters, emails, impact reports, and videos, in close collaboration with the College's Communications team. They will support select donor events that advance fundraising and engagement goals and maintain accurate College of Agriculture and Natural Resources information in the constituent relationship management (CRM) systems utilized by University Relations.

The Program Manager, will manage a portfolio of approximately 25-35 annual-gift prospects and donors, developing personalized strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward their continued support. The Program Manager will identify annual donors who demonstrate the interest, engagement, and giving potential to progress toward major-gift consideration and will work closely with the Chief Development Officer to ensure those individuals are appropriately vetted and added to the development pipeline. The position will also partner with the Chief Development Officer to plan and manage the College's participation in Giving Day and Giving Tuesday.

Preferences

• Experience using donor contact management systems, such as Blackbaud and Salesforce.
• Proficiency with digital design and communication platforms to create visually compelling donor impact reports, email solicitations, and stewardship communications.
• Experience supporting donor events.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Some local travel may be required.

Licenses/Certifications: N/A

This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional scholarship activities, gift administration, stewardship, or donor relations experience.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of donor & alumni related policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Additional Job Details

Preferences: NA

Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter

Best Consideration Date: August 21, 2026

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Risks: Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required: Yes

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department: VPUR-SCU Development

Worker Sub-Type: Staff Regular

Salary Range: $71,857-$86,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice