Donor Relations Coordinator

University of Central Missouri; Warrensburg (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Central Missouri is seeking a Donor Relations Coordinator to design donor experiences, recognize gifts, and steward relations across a 100–120 constituent portfolio. The role includes planning events and coordinating communications with donors, campus partners, and alumni networks to strengthen engagement.

The position also manages planned giving activities, employee supervision, and collaboration with advancement teams to meet fundraising goals.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in communications, business, or marketing.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in related fields.
• Experience in development or donor relations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement a donor experience plan with recognition programs and events.
• Coordinate donor communications including gift recognition across print and digital channels.
• Manage stewardship of annual gifts and donor relations within portfolio.
• Plan and execute donor-centered university events and Giving Impact Week.
• Supervise student workers and provide exceptional customer service to internal/external audiences.

Skills

Donor relations

Event planning

Communication

Customer service

Team supervision

Budget management

Database familiarity

Education

Associate’s degree in Communications/Business/Marketing

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Communication

Tools

Database systems

Job description

The Donor Relations Coordinator will create and implement integral aspects of donor experience including gift recognition societies, print and digital donor recognition and invitations, and stewardship events and activities for donors.

This position will manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 100-120 constituents that have documented planned gifts, scholarship contacts, and other notable donors to ensure continued engagement and stewardship.

This position will assist in all aspects of planning and executing donor-centered University events including Giving Impact Week.

University Advancement responsibilities to include: -70%

• The Donor Relations Coordinator will create and implement a donor experience plan and schedule to include society member recognition, stewardship programs, and events and activities for donors.


• Coordinate communication with donors including gift recognition via print and digital utilizing tools such as videos, thank you notes, texting and more. Oversee coordination with campus partners to execute donor thank you communications.


• Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to brand and promote giving societies; track membership in each society and manage benefits.


• Manage, in consultation with the Director of Annual Giving, the stewardship of annual fund gifts and recognition.


• Re-engage donors with the UCM campus community through events, recognition, and updates about their area(s) of interest.


• Collaborate with the Events and Alumni Engagement team in the facilitation, planning and implementation of multiple scale donor events from large donor galas to small signing ceremonies. Take initiative to create and execute all aspects of these events including invitations, décor, food, and guest accommodations.


• Engagement with the post-event analysis and donor communication.


• Assist in the creation and distribution of the Annual Report.


• Facilitates good donor relations by representing University Advancement and Alumni Foundation at functions and meetings as assigned and working with donors and potential donors, alumni, students, friends, and various constituencies of the University to strengthen their ties to UCM.


• Assures donor confidentiality as well as the confidentiality of the projects undertaken by University Advancement and the UCM Alumni Foundation.


• Enhances the ability of the University to meet fundraising goals by having a complete understanding of giving programs available through the UCM Alumni Foundation and possessing a knowledge of the advantages of membership in various recognition societies.


• Work with the Director of Foundation Financial Operations to maintain an accurate budget and forecast annual budget.


• Hire, supervise, train, evaluate, and manage student workers.


• Provide exceptional customer service with both internal and external audiences focusing on creating a donor-centered culture.

Development/ Planned Giving responsibilities to include: -20%

• Oversee the planned giving Heritage Society through marketing, promotion to prospective members, and stewardship of existing members; Serve as the primary staff contact for the Heritage Society and collaborate with directors of development to facilitate meaningful programming.


• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 100-120 constituents that have documented planned gifts, scholarship contacts, and other notable donors to ensure continued engagement and stewardship.


• Document approximately 200 contacts per year focusing on stewardship of unassigned donors of $500 or more through phone calls, virtual calls, and in person meetings.


• Qualify prospective and current donors to be further cultivated and solicited by development staff.

Secondary responsibilities to include: -10%

• Understand and utilize the database systems for effective and efficient use.


• Maintain familiarity with current donor stewardship and giving society trends.


• Assist with receptionist responsibilities for the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Foundation as assigned.

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Communication, Business, Marketing or related field required.


• Bachelor’s degree in the following field(s) of study: Business, Communication, or related field preferred.


• Education may be substituted for experience or experience substituted for education based on the following equivalencies: AA or 60 hours = 2 years; BA/BS or 120 credit hours = 4 years; MA/MA = 6 years; PhD = 8 years.

Experience:

• One (1) years experience in development, donor relations, alumni relations, constituent relations, event planning, program management or a comparable or related field required.


• Non-profit organization administration experience preferred.