Donor Relations Specialist

Buena Vista University seeks a dynamic and relationship-driven Donor Relations Specialist to strengthen connections between donors and the university community. This role is responsible for designing and executing meaningful donor stewardship strategies, ensuring donor intent is honored, and creating impactful engagement opportunities that highlight the value of philanthropy.

The Donor Relations Specialist will play a key role in fostering a culture of gratitude across campus while coordinating donor-focused and advancement events. This position collaborates closely with advancement staff, university leadership, faculty, students, and alumni to enhance donor relationships and elevate the university’s stewardship efforts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead Donor Stewardship & Recognition: Develop and manage the overall stewardship program, including donor communications, impact reporting, recognition initiatives (named spaces, societies, publications), and personalized engagement for major donors.
• Ensure Donor Intent Compliance & Data Management: Collaborate with Financial Aid and campus partners to administer funds according to donor intent and maintain accurate records, processes, and timelines within the CRM.
• Plan and Execute Donor & Advancement Events: Oversee all aspects of donor-focused and advancement events (e.g., scholarship events, Homecoming, reunions), including logistics, coordination with partners, and on-site support.
• Cultivate Donor & Alumni Engagement: Facilitate connections between donors and recipients, support alumni engagement strategies, and create meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships.
• Support Communications & Advancement Initiatives: Contribute to storytelling, donor impact communications, team planning, and other advancement activities as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with CRM systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, stewardship, alumni relations, or event management preferred.

At Buena Vista University, you’ll be part of a mission-driven community committed to student success, meaningful relationships, and the transformative power of philanthropy. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by connecting donors to the lives they help change.

A background check will be conducted on the final candidate. Buena Vista University is an EOE/ADA/Smoke-Free Employer.