Donor Stewardship Director

University of California, Merced; California (MO); On-site; USD 83,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking a Director of Stewardship to design, implement, and manage a donor-centered program that strengthens donor relations and retention across giving levels. The role partners with External Relations leadership to set stewardship policies and develop tools and reporting systems.

The Director will advance cross-department collaboration to ensure consistent donor care, tracking and communicating outcomes, with engagement across major, endowed and planned

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 demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, meet deadlines with minimal supervision, and proactively keep all collaborators informed of project progress.
• Excellent writing, copy editing, and proofreading skills; ability to synthesize information and compose clear and effective materials.
• Advanced knowledge of practices and procedures associated with building and maintaining effective working relationships with all levels of alumni, internal and external constituencies.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Advanced project management skills, including skills to plan and implement successful stewardship and recognition society programs.
• Excellent analytical and information management skills, including the ability to conduct research in multiple databases and systems and manage information using Excel and other applications.
• Ability to listen and communicate clearly, concisely, and diplomatically with a range of audiences.
• Strong customer service focus; excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to listen and respond with diplomacy and tact.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in situations requiring independent decision-making and in handling confidential and sensitive material.
• Experience in a fundraising organization, ideally in development, communication or stewardship roles.
• Experience in higher education, particularly complex research institutions.

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 compelling reports, acknowledgments, and other materials that highlight the impact of philanthropy.
• Partners with leadership and members of the Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships team to integrate stewardship into fundraising strategies.
• Responds to donor and other external constituent inquiries. Supports university donor related events and activities, which may include nights and weekends.

Skills

Organizational skills

Writing & editing

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder coordination

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Excel

Job description

University of California, Merced is seeking a Director of Stewardship to design, implement, and manage a donor-centered program that strengthens donor relations and retention across giving levels. The role partners with External Relations leadership to set stewardship policies and develop tools and reporting systems.

The Director will advance cross-department collaboration to ensure consistent donor care, tracking and communicating outcomes, with engagement across major, endowed and planned