What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Donor Relations position at University of North Texas?
Title: Assistant Director of Donor Relations
Employee Classification: Asst Dir Development Support
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Advancement
SubDivision-Department: UNT-Donor Relations & Advanc Servi
Department: UNT-Donor Relat & Advanc Serv-Gen-172500
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible
About Us - Values Overview:
Department Summary
The Division of University Advancement strives to transform lives and unlock potential through the power of philanthropy and engagement by awakening and stewarding pride and loyalty for the University of North Texas.
Established in 1890, the University of North Texas is a place where students transform their lives through education and opportunity. With more than 46,000 students from across the state, nation, and world, UNT offers 240 academic programs — many nationally and internationally recognized. A Tier One research university and designated a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, UNT has a legacy of excellence in education, music, the arts, business and social sciences, with growing strengths in science and engineering. Last year, students earned nearly 13,000 degrees and joined UNT's network of 480,000 alumni, fueling progress and innovation.
Position Overview
The Assistant Director of Donor Relations leads stewardship communication efforts with vibrant and captivating content that engages and inspires UNT donors. This includes but is not limited to personalized impact reporting for principal donors; recognition society communication, endowed fund impact reporting; engagement event coordination and acknowledgements.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience in donor relations/stewardship/alumni relations, communications, non-profit/program management, fundraising, marketing/PR or customer service; or any combination of education, training, and related experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to execute creative ideas for a given situation.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to recognize, analyze and solve problems.
- Interpersonal skills including excellent oral communication skills and ability to consistently produce concise, professionally written communications and interact with alumni, donors and vendors.
- Computer skills including database, MS Office and other university software.
- Ability to thoughtfully and effectively research, analyze and use data to tell stories and inform strategy.
- Exhibit professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exceptional writing and storytelling abilities, with experience in fundraising communications, editing, and proofreading for grammar, style, and accuracy.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and craft compelling donor narratives that inform strategy.
- Proven project management capabilities, including the ability to prioritize competing goals, meet deadlines, and implement process improvements independently.
- Advanced technical proficiency, including mastery of MS Office and familiarity with donor databases and platforms such as Blackbaud Raiser's Edge/NXT, Smartsheet, and video stewardship tools.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset, professional discretion, and the ability to build relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Job Duties:
- Work with Vice President to produce needed impact reports for principal gift donors whether they are quarterly, annually or on demand. -
- Fall Scholars Endowment reporting to provide scholarship recipient information to endowment donors in homes no later than end of December each year.
- Coordinate the gift acknowledgement process, ensuring timely and appropriate acknowledgement of gifts on behalf of the Vice President for University Advancement and the President of the University. Learn and write in the University Presidents and Vice President for University Advancements voices, and tailor language and content for the appropriate audience and situation (donor alumni/friend or faculty/staff, or other audience).
- Coordinate individual principal gift donor stewardship ($1M and up) including gift or naming signing ceremonies including key stakeholders and celebration events for gifts or stewardship of principal gift donors as identified by the Vice President.
- Welcome and upgrade members to the donor recognition societies. In collaboration with the advancement team, recommend and coordinate engagement activities and communications to enhance membership.
- Coordinate with the communications team and advancement services to review all donor-centered materials for tone and voice including proposals, impact reports, receipts, pledge letters, donor-centered videos, etc.
- Coordinate Fallen Eagle correspondence such as weekly update, principal donor obituaries and coordinate with all appropriate CSUs (including President's Office) for floral, sympathy cards or personalized letters.
- Create, maintain and distribute metrics and reporting on assigned donor relations activities.
Physical Requirements:
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
- Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
- Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
- Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
Environmental Hazards:
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; some nights and weekends may be required
Driving University Vehicle:
Yes
Security Sensitive:
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions:
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits:
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement:
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit - and takes actions to prevent - discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.