Senior Director, Donor Relations

Pace University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Pace University is seeking a Senior Director of Donor Relations to provide strategic leadership for donor relations, stewardship, donor recognition, and philanthropic impact programs. This role drives a comprehensive engagement strategy to strengthen retention and loyalty and to support long-term fundraising growth.

In collaboration with Development Officers, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, and University leadership, the Senior Director will advance donor engagement across the lifecycle through

Qualifications

• Strategic and collaborative leadership abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for donor relations, stewardship, donor recognition, and philanthropic impact programs.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive donor relations strategy to strengthen retention and drive fundraising growth.

Job description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement Services, the Senior Director of Donor Relations provides strategic leadership for Pace University's donor relations, stewardship, donor recognition, and philanthropic impact programs. The Senior Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive donor relations strategy designed to strengthen donor retention, enhance the donor experience, increase donor loyalty, and support long-term philanthropic growth.

The Senior Director serves as a strategic partner to Development Officers, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, and University leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive donor engagement strategy that supports fundraising priorities and enhances the donor experience throughout the philanthropic lifecycle. Through personalized stewardship, impact communications, donor recognition, and data-informed engagement initiatives, the Senior Director strengthens donor loyalty, improves retention, maximizes lifetime philanthropic value, and advances the University's long-term fundraising and revenue growth goals.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with exceptional communication, relationship-building, and project management skills. The Senior Director will work extensively with Planned Giving, Development Officers, Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Financial Aid, Finance, University Events, Communications, Marketing, Academic Leadership, and senior University administrators.

The position requires the ability to lead organizational change, implement best practices, utilize data to inform strategy, and build strong partnerships that advance donor retention, engagement, and fundraising success.