Stewardship/Donor Relations Manager

Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU is seeking a Stewardship Manager to lead planning, implementation, and assessment of donor stewardship strategies that advance the university's fundraising goals.

The role reports to the Executive Director of Development and Planned Giving and collaborates with development staff and campus partners to provide exceptional donor service and meaningful recognition. Responsibilities include managing donor engagement, overseeing communications, and producing donor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and at least three years in advancement or donor relations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and constituent CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge NXT).
• Strong communication, project management, analytical, and customer service skills.
• Ability to resolve donor issues and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee a comprehensive stewardship program and plans for key donor constituencies.
• Oversee donor recognition and appreciation initiatives and events.
• Direct the preparation of donor impact, scholarship, and stewardship reports.
• Manage resolution of donor inquiries and concerns.
• Ensure accuracy of donor records, recognition, and communications.
• Collaborate with development staff to honor donor intent and fund reporting.
• Provide stewardship-related reporting, guidance, and training to Institutional Advancement staff.
• Analyze stewardship outcomes and recommend process improvements.
• Support fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Microsoft 365

CRM Raiser's Edge NXT

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge NXT

Job description

The Stewardship Manager leads the planning, implementation, and assessment of donor stewardship and donor relations strategies that advance the mission and fundraising goals of Institutional Advancement. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development and Planned Giving, this position manages donor engagement, recognition, and stewardship initiatives, oversees donor communications and reporting, and serves as a key resource for donor relations. The Stewardship Manager collaborates with development staff and campus partners to ensure exceptional donor service, meaningful recognition, and effective stewardship of philanthropic investments.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manage and execute a comprehensive stewardship program, including annual and customized stewardship plans for key donor constituencies.
• Oversee donor recognition and appreciation initiatives and events.
• Direct the preparation of donor impact, scholarship, and stewardship reports.
• Manage the resolution of donor inquiries and concerns.
• Ensure the accuracy of donor records, recognition, and communications.
• Collaborate with development officers and university partners to honor donor intent and support fund reporting.
• Provide stewardship-related reporting, guidance, and training to Institutional Advancement staff.
• Analyze stewardship and donor relations outcomes and recommend process improvements.
• Support fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Support fundraising events, represent the University at assigned functions, contribute to development strategies, and participate in professional development.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required and a minimum of three years of professional experience in advancement, donor relations, stewardship, or a related field, preferably within higher education. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft 365 and constituent relationship management (CRM) systems, preferably Raiser's Edge NXT. Strong communication, project management, analytical, and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively resolve donor-related issues and manage multiple priorities.

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.