Manager of Stewardship & Donor Relations, University Advancement

The Stewardship & Donor Relations Manager will design, implement and coordinate a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program to promote interaction with and recognition of Rowan’s donors at all levels. The successful candidate will drive the University’s donor recognition initiatives by developing creative strategies for the acknowledgement, reporting and ongoing stewardship of donors, with the goal of increasing engagement and giving in support of the institution’s fundraising efforts. This position reports to the Director of Advancement Communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute donor cultivation, engagement, stewardship and recognition initiatives and identify opportunities to connect and engage donors and fund recipients.

• Produce strategic, high-quality, donor-centered stewardship pieces that illustrate the impact of giving and inspire continued support.

• Research, compile and prepare annual donor impact/endowment reports.

• Lead and manage the design and implementation of donor communications processes, including impact reporting, endowment reporting and ThankView communications.

• Serve as a thought partner to Advancement colleagues, offering creative and strategic input on donor touchpoints as well as personalized donor engagement strategies for principal gift donors to strengthen relationships, recognize contributions and enhance long-term stewardship strategies.

• Contribute to the planning and execution of events and recognition activities that strengthen connections and coordinate donor recognition items and gifts.

• Partner with Advancement Services to ensure accurate information is tracked and maintained to produce reporting tools to guide decision-making and measure effectiveness.

• Lead the strategic management and enhancement of giving societies to cultivate deeper donor engagement, long-term loyalty and meaningful recognition.

• Write and edit donor-related content and messages as well as writing for presidential and vice-presidential correspondence and other high touch, high impact projects across digital and paper platforms.

• Work with the Division’s gift officers to create and execute relationship management strategies for major donors and participate in stewardship strategy meetings.

• Assist with the coordination of other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Five years of advancement communications, donor relations, stewardship program management or related experience, preferably in a higher education or non-profit environment. Note: A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of work experience.

• Superior project management and organizational skills with an eye for detail and quality.

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to importance of stewardship and donor relations as an institution wide effort.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative and meet deadlines.

• Creativity and innovation; exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal skills; and an ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Highest standards of confidentiality and discretion.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite programs.

• Occasional night and weekend work is required.

Preferred:

• Experience in academic fundraising environment and familiarity with the principles of fundraising are highly desirable.

• Graphic design or visual storytelling skills are a plus; especially Adobe suite/InDesign.

• Understanding and experience with software applications including Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, ThankView, ODDER or equivalents.

Starting Date:

As soon as possible.

Salary & Benefits:

General Info:

Rowan University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Contact:

Interested applicants must send a cover letter highlighting related education and experience, a resume, three writing samples to demonstrate varied writing styles and the names and contact information for at least three references.