Donor Relations Specialist

Organization: Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation
Title: Donor Relations Specialist: Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm; Occasional evening and weekend hours
Location: Topeka, KS
 
Primary Accountability:
The purpose of the Donor Relations Specialist is to support Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation’s (“Foundation”) overall fundraising efforts through the management, planning, and direction of stewardship communications and donor relations programs. The Donor Relations Specialist must establish and nurture effective, collegial working relationships with co-workers, university partners, donors and external contacts representing the Foundation in a positive and professional manner.

The Donor Relations Specialist: Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects will be responsible for developing and leading comprehensive, integrated stewardship, engagement and donor recognition plans and programs, along with assisting other departments within the organization in writing projects and the direct mail pieces as needed. The Donor Relations Specialist will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating stewardship programs along with Donor Relations Specialist: Scholarship Reporting and Correspondence while striving for continuous improvement.

The Donor Relations Specialist: Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects will play a significant role in carrying out these stewardship efforts along with promoting the Foundation’s mission through a number of programs and recognition opportunities. They will work closely with the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications and Donor Relations Specialist: Scholarship Reporting and Correspondence to support the overall stewardship and recognition plan of the Foundation.
 
Major Duties:

• Collaborate with Executive Director of Development, and Director of Gift Planning and Development and the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations – Law School on the creation, execution, and continuous improvement of the strategic stewardship plan for donors
• Research story ideas, write, and edit donor impact stories for various alumni publications
• Lead out annual donor Honor Roll review process, ensuring accuracy in listings, categorization, and alphabetization; disseminate segmented lists to university departments for publication at their request;
• Work closely with Donor Relations Specialist: Scholarship Reporting and Correspondence to ensure that both positions have a working understanding of the broader scope of donor relations tasks and are able to support each party’s workload as needed;
• Manage and execute all aspects of special stewardship projects such as gifts related to giving societies (Lincoln Society, Whiting Society) and individualized gifts for small groups or individual donors.
• Writes, edits and maintains acknowledgement letters database for donors
• Collaborate regularly with the Executive Director to discuss stewardship strategies for donors in both Whiting and Lincoln Societies who do not have permanently assigned solicitors;
• Collaborate with magazine editor to research story ideas, assist with writing donor stories, contribute to copyediting of all publications;
• Manage and maintain database of university named spaces, art, brick plazas and future naming opportunities, both past and present, in support of overall fundraising efforts including location of spaces and photos of named spaces/objects;
• Coordinate the creation, uniformity, and maintenance of donor plaques and recognition signage for all fundraising projects and programs, working closely with university facilities and university relations on brand cohesion;
• Write fundraising solicitation pieces including direct mail, crowdfunding appeals and email follow ups for Development and Annual Giving efforts;
• Assist with execution of donor events on an as-needed basis, including but not limited to script writing, A/V checks, and queueing speakers;
• Work on special projects and perform other duties, as assigned; and
• Represent Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation in a professional and diplomatic manner at all times.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college/university in communications, marketing, public relations or related discipline;
• Three (3) to five (5) years of professional writing experience preferred; exceptional storytelling and writing ability required
• Knowledge of AP style
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Word and Excel programs;
• Experience with content managed websites preferred;
• Experience with relational database such as Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Outstanding organization and time management skills with attention to detail required;
• Experience in meeting deadlines, juggling multiple responsibilities and initiating and maintaining professional relationships required;
• Outstanding time management skills;
• Ability to gather and analyze information and data;
• Must be able to take the initiative to coordinate and manage processes;
• Professional attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality required;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, and as a team member;
• Familiarity with relational databases and scheduling;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed; and
• Reliable and predictable attendance.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
• Ability to read computer screens and mail;
• Ability to unpack and move supplies up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting;
• Interaction with staff and customers.

Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

EEO Employer

Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation is committed to building a community of support to continuously strengthen Washburn University and enhance the educational opportunities and experiences of our students. We build life-long partnerships with alumni and friends, and secure, invest, and steward private financial support.