Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship

The-Children; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision

Paid Time Off

403b Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development

Life and Disability Insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

The Children0s Institute of Pittsburgh is seeking a strategic and engaging Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship to lead major gift cultivation, stewardship programs, and signature events. This onsite role supports a portfolio of donors and partners across the organization.

You will manage donor relations, design personalized engagement plans, and collaborate with senior leadership to drive fundraising growth while ensuring donors feel valued and connected to our mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business.
• 7-10 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• Demonstrated success managing donor portfolios and securing philanthropic gifts.
• Strong event planning and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and storytelling abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style.
• Clearances Required: Act 73 FBI, Act 34 Criminal Clearance, and Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, with goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop individualized engagement strategies that deepen donor commitment and increase giving.
• Conduct regular donor meetings, site visits, and personalized outreach to maintain relationships.
• Collaborate with Senior Director of Development and senior leadership on strategy for high-capacity prospects.
• Direct stewardship and engagement strategies, events, recognition societies and plans to retain and upgrade donors.
• Oversee the creation of impact reports, personalized updates, and recognition materials.
• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of donor-focused events, including galas and receptions.

Skills

Donor relations

Event planning

Communication

Storytelling

Strategic leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

At The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, we've built our legacy on being amazing. After more than a century of the highest quality care and service to children and their families, we're forever proud of our team members who don't just make a career here - they make a difference.

Job Title: Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship

Location: 1405 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Schedule: Monday through Friday, Full Time, Onsite

Responsibilities

The Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship is a senior leader within the Development team responsible for cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, designing and executing high-impact stewardship strategies, and overseeing a portfolio of major donors and prospects. This role blends strategic oversight with direct donor engagement, ensuring that supporters feel valued, informed, and connected to the organization’s mission. The director also leads the planning and execution of signature events that strengthen donor relationships and drive philanthropic investment.

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, with clear goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop individualized engagement strategies that deepen donor commitment and increase giving.
• Conduct regular donor meetings, site visits, and personalized outreach to maintain strong relationships.
• Collaborate with Senior Director of Development and senior leadership on strategy for high-capacity prospects.
• Direct stewardship and engagement strategies, events, recognition societies and individualized plans, to retain and upgrade donors.
• Oversee the creation of impact reports, personalized updates, and recognition materials.

Events Leadership

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of donor-focused events, including annual galas, cultivation gatherings, and stewardship receptions.
• Develop event concepts that strengthen donor engagement and support fundraising goals.

Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise staff or contractors involved in stewardship, events, or donor communications.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Development on annual fundraising strategy.

Data & Systems Management

• Use CRM systems to track donor interactions, event attendance, and stewardship touchpoints.
• Analyze donor trends to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, or related field.

7-10 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.

Demonstrated success managing donor portfolios and securing philanthropic gifts.

Strong event planning and project management skills.

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and storytelling abilities.

Strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style.

Clearances Required: Act 73 FBI, Act 34 Criminal Clearance, and Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance

Benefits Summary

We're proud to offer generous benefits to our team members. Regular full-time team members are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical and Prescription insurance-Choice of two health plans and networks
• Dental and Vision-Free coverage for team members.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Medical, Bereavement, Educational, & Personal Leaves
• Parental leave (birth & adoption) paid-6 weeks
• 403b Retirement Plan - pre-tax & Roth options; employer match after 1 year
• Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - CI qualifies as non-profit
• Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development/CEUs
• Life and Short- & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Credit Union
• Team Member Recognition Events
• Referral bonus
• CPR-employer paid

Are you looking for a position where you can make a lasting impact in the lives of children and their families? Are you ready to brighten the future of Amazing Children? We want to hear from you!

The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We serve a diverse population of children and families, and we want our workforce to reflect that same diversity. We want all interested individuals to feel welcome in applying for a career at our amazing place - we can't wait to meet you!

The Children's Institute does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious creed, AIDS or HIV status, disability, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, union membership, or veteran/military status in employment.