Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations

The Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations provides strategic leadership within the Advancement Division for donor stewardship, donor recognition and special events for the College.

The Director is responsible for producing, managing and consulting for logistical aspects of college-wide, alumni, and/or development special events programs. Events/programs include but are not limited to: presidential dinners and receptions, development donor society and special donor recognition events, alumni office sponsored events, college facility groundbreakings and dedications, as well as one-time events. Develops and implements overall stewardship plan in support of fundraising efforts, including areas of key constituent engagement and participation, donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and communications. Works closely with administration and college committees and internal and external contractors as appropriate to plan events and initiatives. Involves considerable interaction with VIP’s and various internal and external constituencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive donor stewardship plan for the College in consult with the Vice President and Associate Vice President for Advancement and in partnership with staff who serve as project managers for key donor groups. This shall include stewardship process for major endowed and restricted gifts, distinguishing recognition by level and type of gift, such as societies, named gift opportunities, pavers, memorial/honor/tribute and so forth. And analyzes donor relations efforts as it relates to recognition and engagement of major gift prospects and donors and makes recommendations for enhancements or changes.
• Works with Vice President and Associate Vice President to develop outcome-assessment tools to evaluate all assigned donor stewardship tactics and alumni engagement tactics for the College and the Division.
• Leads the Advancement Stewardship Team in developing a comprehensive donor stewardship plan.
• Manages the stewardship of the Associates Society and the Presidents Society.
• Supports social projects in collaboration with the Vice President and Associate Vice President that facility stewardship of donors, established giving societies, campaign donors, etc.
• Serves as consultant to Advancement and college-wide community regarding appropriate planning, protocol, and standards for college special events. Works in conjunction with senior administrators and sponsor groups to develop professional event standards.
• Plans and coordinates, or provides consultation for, all aspects of high-profile special events that represent the important college initiatives. This may include the coordination, oversight and management of all logistical arrangements, assigning activities to staff while maintaining creative and administrative control. Writes and edits copy used in event, donor recognition, and alumni programming. This may include invitations, scripts, biographical introductions, and letters on behalf of college administrators. Manages all development and Board-related events hosted by the President or held at the College residence.
• Ensures implementation of post-event measurement and assessment tools. Ensures cost-effective budget management.
• Assists with focused events intended to cultivate and engage prospects and convert them to donors. Programs may include Marion College alumni, Parent Leadership Council, Maroon Club, President’s Advisory Board, Alumni Executive Council, and the Community Advisory Board. Coordinate efforts with major gift officers and relevant offices.
• Develops and implements an effective calendar of both alumni and special event programs that is aligned with the mission and goals of the College and the Advancement Division.
• Supervise staff or student workers who assist with special events and stewardship.
• Performs other duties as assigned and travel as required.
  
  

Education, Experience, Skills, And Abilities

• Master’s degree required
• 3-5 years of fundraising experience in an institution of higher education required.
  
  

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.