Associate Director of Donor Relations

Colgate University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate University in New York seeks an Associate Director of Donor Relations to lead a comprehensive stewardship and reporting program that informs donors of the impact of their support.

You will collaborate with advancement colleagues, coordinate endowment reports, and craft impact communications while maintaining donor confidentiality. The role requires strong writing and project management, and the ability to engage diverse audiences across the University.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of professional fundraising or communications experience.
• Strong writing and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences of donors, alumni, faculty, and staff.
• Proven project management experience.
• Experience using a CRM or donor management system.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for advancing the donor relations and stewardship program.
• Promote interaction with and recognition of donors through stewardship activities.
• Maintain relationships between the University and its donors.
• Coordinate endowment-related communications and impact reports.
• Advise on gift funds and donor intent; support recognition events.
• Collaborate with colleagues to determine best stewardship strategies.

Skills

Fundraising

Project management

Organizational skills

Writing

Communication

Customer service

Relationship building

CRM proficiency

Confidential information handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Associate Director of Donor Relations

Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. The University is currently engaged in a $1‑billion campaign in support of the Third‑Century Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that will advance Colgate’s efforts to pursue its mission at the highest level. The associate director of donor relations is responsible for a comprehensive reporting program to ensure that the University’s donors are well‑informed about the impact of their support.

Key Responsibilities

Accountable for effective contribution to the University’s comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program. Accountable for appropriately and consistently promoting interaction with and recognition of donors through timely and suitable stewardship and recognition activities. Responsible for sustaining positive and mutually rewarding relationships between the University and its donors, and partnering with University and advancement colleagues to determine the best strategies for effective stewardship and recognition of donors. Accountable for planning and executing stewardship activities related to endowed funds, including but not limited to annual endowment and impact reports. Accountable for coordinating and creating impact communications about major fundraising initiatives to donors at all levels. Accountable for advising on the appropriate creation of gift funds and compliance with donor intent. Responsible for maintaining ongoing and active networking with internal and external constituencies. Responsible for assisting with other stewardship and recognition activities as needed, including but not limited to coordinating donor signage and executing recognition events.

Professional Experience / Qualifications

• Three or more years of professional experience in a fundraising or communications environment.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences of donors, alumni, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships among internal constituencies.
• Aptitude for using a CRM system and other technology platforms.
• Demonstrated sensitivity in handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in the donor relations field.
• Professional experience in higher education or other non‑profit environment.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Information

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.