Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship

UC Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Merced seeks a Director of Stewardship to design, implement, and manage a donor-centered program that increases retention and upgrades. The role partners with External Relations leadership to establish stewardship policies, tools, and tracking across departments, ensuring consistent donor care.

The director will lead with strategic planning, develop a library of stewardship resources, and coordinate communication to demonstrate impact while aligning with fundraising priorities and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, marketing, communication, external relations or directly related experience.
• Valid CA Driver's License (required).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Excellent writing, copy editing, and proofreading skills; ability to synthesize information.
• Advanced knowledge of relationships with alumni and internal/external constituencies.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Active listening skills, critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Advanced project management skills for stewardship programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a strategic donor engagement plan to recognize and retain donors at all giving levels.
• Oversees impact reporting and donor communications by managing the creation of reports, acknowledgments, and materials.
• Partners with leadership to integrate stewardship into fundraising strategies and establish tracking and reporting processes.
• Responds to donor inquiries and supports donor events and activities, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent writing

Advanced project management

Analytical skills

Active listening

Diplomacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Excel

Job description

UC Merced seeks a Director of Stewardship to design, implement, and manage a donor-centered program that increases retention and upgrades. The role partners with External Relations leadership to establish stewardship policies, tools, and tracking across departments, ensuring consistent donor care.

The director will lead with strategic planning, develop a library of stewardship resources, and coordinate communication to demonstrate impact while aligning with fundraising priorities and