Donor Stewardship & Engagement Lead

Duke; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Athletics is seeking a Donor Stewardship & Engagement Specialist to build strong relationships with supporters and craft thoughtful stewardship programs that highlight the impact of philanthropy. You will collaborate across Athletics, Advancement, and University partners to design recognition, events, and communications that elevate donor experiences.

The role focuses on leading stewardship strategies, managing recognition programs, and delivering compelling donor updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Two years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, public relations, student engagement, program administration, or a related field.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead donor stewardship strategies for annual, leadership, major gift, and principal gift donors.
• Create personalized engagement opportunities that deepen donor relationships and support long‑term retention.
• Partner with development officers to design customized stewardship plans and meaningful donor touchpoints.
• Research and implement innovative stewardship practices that enhance the donor experience.

Skills

Donor relations

Communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Blackbaud

Paciolan

Advance

Job description

Duke Athletics is seeking a Donor Stewardship & Engagement Specialist to build strong relationships with supporters and craft thoughtful stewardship programs that highlight the impact of philanthropy. You will collaborate across Athletics, Advancement, and University partners to design recognition, events, and communications that elevate donor experiences.

The role focuses on leading stewardship strategies, managing recognition programs, and delivering compelling donor updates.