Assistant Director, Donor Relations

Application Review Date: 5/26/26

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations is a professional leader within Advancement and Alumni Relations, responsible for advancing Radford University’s culture of philanthropy through strategic stewardship leadership, disciplined data governance, and donor-centered engagement.

This position ensures philanthropic investments entrusted to Radford are acknowledged accurately, administered with integrity and recognized in alignment with donor intent and university policy. The Assistant Director provides subject-matter expertise in stewardship standards, advising development officers and campus partners on donor compliance and recognition protocols. Operating with a high degree of professional judgment, this role leads the development and implementation of stewardship standards and workflows across the division, mitigating institutional risk related to donor stewardship, compliance, and recognition accuracy while strengthening donor retention and engagement.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Communications, Donor Relations and Special Events, this position supervises the Donor Relations & Stewardship Coordinator and works closely with other members of the team. The Assistant Director elevates stewardship from tactical execution to a structured, policy-aligned function grounded in accountability and consistency.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution, or a bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in donor relations, stewardship, advancement operations or related field.
• Experience managing complex, deadline-driven projects.
• Experience with CRM systems (Raiser's Edge preferred).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret financial data and donor agreements accurately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education advancement.
• Scholarship or endowment stewardship experience.
• Familiarity with Blackbaud Stewardship Management and Award Management.
• Experience collaborating with academic, athletic and auxiliary units.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule:

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Advancement

Salary: Commensurate with experience (Starting at $62,736)

Department Contact Name: Sharon Ratcliffe

Department Contact Phone: 5408316716

Department Contact Email: srratcliffe@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.