Assistant Director, Donor Relations

Drexel University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Drexel University in Philadelphia seeks an Assistant Director, Donor Relations to manage donor acknowledgements for gifts across the university, including senior leadership and the president. You will craft bespoke language, oversee automated emails, and ensure timely, high-quality donor communications.

This hybrid role requires collaboration with donor relations, development communications, and engagement teams, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional writing and editing experience.
• Excellent writing skills, including grammar, spelling, and proofreading.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.
• Effective research skills and the capability to synthesize large quantities of information into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong project management skills with the competence to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and navigate ambiguity effectively.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Write and/or manage acknowledgements for gifts of all sizes on a weekly basis.
• Write, review, and oversee the signing and mailing of ad hoc Presidential letters to alumni, donors, and friends.
• Write and send tribute letters for gifts in honor and in memorial, biweekly.
• Lead writer for IA's Senior Vice President event remarks and oversee those for the President and other University leadership in fundraising/donor-focused events.
• Help ensure that written materials adhere to the highest standards of quality, style, and accuracy.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Writing

Editing

Research

Discretion with confidential materials

Deadline-driven

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Donor Relations is an important member of the stewardship team within the Office of Institutional Advancement (IA). This position is responsible for managing donor acknowledgements for all gifts to the University, including those on behalf of Schools and Colleges, the Senior Vice President of IA and the University President. Additionally, this role supports a portfolio of tailored stewardship writing needs across IA, including tribute letters, event remarks, ad hoc Presidential letters, and other special projects. The Assistant Director, Donor Relations partners closely with donor relations and development communications teammates, engagement peers, annual giving, frontline fundraisers, the Office of the President, and other key stakeholders to ensure cohesive, high-quality, and timely donor communications.

This is a hybrid position, working in-person 1-2 days a week as needed.

Essential Functions

• Write and/or manage acknowledgements for gifts of all sizes on a weekly basis. Duties include pulling and organizing data, updating language on automated acknowledgement emails, adjusting templated letters for Major Gifts donors, and writing bespoke language for Principal-level gifts.
• Write, review, and oversee the signing and mailing of ad hoc Presidential letters to alumni, donors, and friends.
• Write and send tribute letters for gifts in honor and in memorial, on a biweekly basis.
• Serve as lead writer for IA's Senior Vice President event remarks and oversee those for the President and other University leadership in connection with fundraising/donor-focused events.
• Help ensure that written materials adhere to the highest standards of quality, style, and accuracy.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 3 years of professional writing and editing experience.
• Excellent writing skills, including grammar, spelling, and proofreading.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.
• Effective research skills and the capability to synthesize large quantities of information into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong project management skills with the competence to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and navigate ambiguity effectively.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education environment, particularly in a development or donor relations role.
• Familiarity with donor databases and communications platforms (e.g., Advance, ThankView).
• Expertise in writing on behalf of senior leadership of an organization.
• Knowledge of contemporary issues and methods in higher education institutional advancement and fundraising.
• Experience supporting fundraising writing.

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240 - $90,350 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.