Donor Relations Project Manager

Clemson University; Clemson, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University is seeking a Donor Relations Project Manager for its Advancement Division. This role coordinates donor engagement, stewardship initiatives, and impact storytelling to demonstrate philanthropy’s impact.

You’ll partner across teams to ensure a high-quality donor experience and meaningful storytelling. The position focuses on project planning, execution, and process improvements, with emphasis on timely acknowledgments and personalized donor communications to support university

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Related experience in alumni development, fundraising, prospect research, or business development preferred.
• Knowledge of donor engagement and reporting tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as central coordinator for donor relations projects and engagement initiatives.
• Oversee planning and execution of stewardship activities and impact reporting.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent donor experience and timely communication.

Skills

Alumni development

Fundraising

Prospect research

Business development

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

CADENCE

Banner

Thankview

Job description

## Donor Relations Project ManagerApply: CLEMSON, SC: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 9, 2026 (14 days left to apply): JR-10796**JOB SUMMARY:**Clemson University's Advancement Division is looking for a Donor Relations Project Manager to fulfill the duties outlined below. - The Donor Relations Project Manager serves as a critical link in the execution of thoughtful, impactful and creative donor touchpoints and engagement to ensure effective stewardship that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy. - This position coordinates and advances key Donor Relations projects and engagement initiatives, partnering across teams and with internal stakeholders to ensure effective execution, meaningful storytelling, and a consistent donor experience. - Other duties as assigned.**JOB DUTIES:**40% - Strategic Stewardship: Assists with the thoughtful and timely execution of customized acknowledgments from University leaders based on specific donor recognition thresholds. Collaborates with Donor Relations Strategy and Programming teams with the creation of customized impact reports and other stewardship materials that demonstrate the significance of individual donor contributions. Oversees logistics, stakeholder coordination, and execution of planned donor engagements involving faculty, students, donors, and University partners. Identifies opportunities to share compelling student, faculty or program stories that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy to new audiences that enhance donor experiences.15% - Stewardship Processes: Develops and maintains a working knowledge of CADENCE, Banner, Thankview, and all related stewardship/scholarship platforms to effectively access information and identify opportunities for process improvements. Assists, as needed, with data integrity updates to effectively maintain a system for stewardship reporting within CADENCE, including but not limited to, stewardship contacts, deceased contacts, fund purpose information, fund beneficiaries, and recognition levels. Assist with documenting and standardizing project practices to maximize productivity, improve repeatability and ensure transparency across the division.45% - Project Planning and Execution: Serves as the central project manager for concurrent CDR initiatives, including components of the Annual Stewardship Plan, engagement activities aligned with Donor Programming and Strategy, and impact reporting. Develops and manages comprehensive project plans, timelines, workflows, and deliverables across the team to ensure timely and high-quality delivery. Monitors project progress & milestones, communicates updates, and helps identify potential issues or opportunities to support a consistent donor experience. Prioritizes and advances multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining organization, attention to detail, and effective communication.**JOB CODE:**CC20**EMPLOYEE TYPE:**Regular FTE Staff **Minimum Requirements:** * *Education:* Bachelor's Degree* *Work Experience:* Related experience in an area such as alumni development, fundraising, prospect research, or business development. **RESPONSIBILITIES:**JOB KNOWLEDGEFundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESNot responsible for supervising employees.BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIESNo fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:**Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 100%Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: 70%Walk or move about: 30%**WORKING CONDITIONS:**None: %**WORK SCHEDULE:**Standard Hours:37.5**COMPENSATION INFORMATION:**Expected Salary Range50000 - 60000Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.**ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:**Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.**JOB LOCATION:**Clemson, SC**APPLICATION DEADLINE:**October 9, 2026**MILITARY AND VETERAN:****Military Equivalency**: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. **Veteran Preference:** South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.