Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

NC State University; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & recreation membership

Wellness programs

Job summary

NC State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship in the College of Veterinary Medicine to develop and implement donor engagement strategies and stewardship programs. The role partners with senior leaders to strengthen relationships and maximize philanthropic impact.

The position focuses on strategic donor relations, events, communications, and reporting, with a strong emphasis on driving engagement and recognition across campus and with key donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute donor relations and stewardship plans to support long-term donor retention and growth.
• Collaborate with advancement leadership on messaging, impact reporting, and engagement initiatives.
• Plan and execute in-person and virtual donor events on campus and regionally.
• Coordinate donor meetings to support identification, cultivation and stewardship.
• Produce stewardship reports and donor communications to articulate impact of support.
• Serve as a resource to CVM philanthropy and university stewardship offices for coordinated engagement.
• Contribute to broader strategic planning to strengthen donor engagement.
• Oversee and enhance signature recognition programs (Walk of Honor, Gallop of Honor).

Skills

Donor relations

Storytelling

Event planning

CRM proficiency

Leadership

Collaboration with leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Job Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG195038SP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Working Title Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $60,000 - $65,000

Work Schedule

Work Schedule 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (5 days a week in office)

Job Location

Department

Department College Of Veterinary Medicine

About the Department

Created in 1978 to attract funding for the College’s teaching, learning, research, and extension in the field of veterinary medicine, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation, Inc. operates exclusively for educational and scientific purposes. By providing financial assistance that helps promote educational activities and maintain a prominent faculty, the Foundation encourages varied research and facilitates cooperative activities with other disciplines and institutions.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Are you a compelling storyteller with a passion for donor impact? The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for a dynamic professional to elevate the stewardship program.

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship is responsible for developing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies to advance innovative and comprehensive donor engagement for supporters of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation.

This role partners closely with the Assistant Dean of Philanthropy and advancement leadership to design, execute, and continuously strengthen stewardship, recognition, and engagement initiatives that deepen relationships and enhance philanthropic impact.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic donor relations and stewardship plans that align with college and foundation priorities and support long-term donor retention and growth.
• Collaborate with advancement leadership to craft compelling language and messaging, stewardship communications, impact reporting, and broader engagement initiatives.
• Plan and execute in-person and virtual donor events both on campus and regionally, in partnership with the development team, ensuring a high-quality, mission-aligned donor experience.
• Coordinate donor meetings on and off campus, supporting donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Manage the creation, production, and distribution of stewardship reports and donor communications that clearly articulate the impact of philanthropic support.
• Serve as a key resource to the CVM philanthropy team and university stewardship office to ensure coordinated and consistent donor engagement practices.
• Collaborate in broader strategic planning efforts to strengthen donor and volunteer engagement across the college.
• Oversee and enhance signature recognition programs, including the Walk of Honor and Gallop of Honor, ensuring effective program management and continued relevance.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience & Strategic Stewardship: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development or higher education advancement, with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and scaling innovative donor engagement and stewardship strategies.
• Communication & Impact Storytelling: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in developing donor-centered messaging, impact reporting, and digital engagement materials to foster long-term donor relationships.
• Event & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, signature donor events and experiential engagement initiatives from concept to execution, managing multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• Data & Technical Proficiency: Expert proficiency in CRM systems and advancement databases, including the ability to manage donor data, interpret metrics, and utilize digital marketing platforms to drive engagement and reporting.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with experience collaborating with senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders, including supervisory or project leadership experience within a complex organizational structure.

Required License or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 06/01/2026

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)09/09/2026

Notice to Applicants

Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.

Position Number 00112096

Position Type SHRA

Position Classification Band Title University Program Specialist

Position Classification Band Level Journey

Position Classification Salary Range $ 36,381 - $ 91,526

Salary Grade Equivalency NC12

Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0

Appointment

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position No

Department Id 190101 - College Of Veterinary Medicine

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.