Donor Relations and Stewardship Specialist

Mohawk; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Hamilton, Ontario, seeks a Donor Relations and Stewardship Specialist. This role involves developing comprehensive stewardship programs, collaborating on tailored donor strategies, and managing donor recognition practices. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience in philanthropy, strong communication skills, and knowledge of Raiser's Edge. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential. Hybrid work arrangements are available.

Benefits

Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT)

Enhanced maternity and parental leave pay

Vacation and holiday benefits

Employee assistance and comprehensive health benefits

Course discounts for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in philanthropy, stewardship, or donor relations, preferably in education or non-profit sectors.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive stewardship program for donors and campaigns.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop tailored stewardship strategies for different donor levels.
• Manage donor recognition practices and tracking gift and stewardship data.
• Align alumni stewardship with the Foundation's goals.
• Plan and execute engagement and stewardship activities, including events and recognition programs.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Analytical skills

Fundraising marketing

Digital media

Education

3-year diploma/degree or equivalent experience

CFRE designation or related certification

Tools

Raiser's Edge software

Job description

Donor Relations and Stewardship Specialist

Status : Full Time

Hours : Monday - Friday, 35 hours / week

Home Campus : Fennell (hybrid work arrangements available)

Rate of Pay : Payband I (Start Rate : $ per hour)

Posting Date : July 28th, 2025

Closing Date : August 1st, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST

Preference will be given to qualified employees within the Full Time Support Staff bargaining unit, Appendix D (in the role for 6 consecutive months), and RPT employees who have passed probation at Mohawk College.

We believe the rich diversity among our students and the communities we serve should be reflected within our workforce. As educators, we believe it is important to act and show leadership in advancing the principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community.

The Donor Relations & Stewardship Specialist reports to the Director, Strategic Advancement Initiatives, and works closely with the Mohawk College Foundation Board, College leaders, the Foundation team, internal partners across the College, and external partners to create exceptional donor experiences that result in ongoing investment in the College's strategic priorities.

The Specialist leads collaborations with the Alumni Team to support alumni stewardship programs, develops and maintains recognition and engagement systems, and oversees donor recognition, communications, events, and other stewardship activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing a comprehensive stewardship program for donors and campaigns.
• Collaborating with leadership to develop tailored stewardship strategies for different donor levels.
• Managing donor recognition practices and tracking gift and stewardship data.
• Aligning alumni stewardship with the Foundation's goals.
• Reviewing gift agreements and managing pledge reminders for major gifts.
• Planning and executing engagement and stewardship activities, including events and recognition programs.

Qualifications include:

• A 3-year diploma/degree or equivalent experience; CFRE designation or related certification is an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in philanthropy, stewardship, or donor relations, preferably in education or non-profit sectors.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience with fundraising marketing, digital media, and donor reporting.
• Knowledge of Raiser's Edge software.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

We offer:

• Defined Benefit pension plan (CAAT).
• Enhanced maternity and parental leave pay.
• Vacation and holiday benefits.
• Employee assistance and comprehensive health benefits.
• Course discounts for employees and dependents.

We are dedicated to reconciliation and fostering an inclusive environment. Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Accommodation during recruitment is available upon request.