Director of Donor Stewardship
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Job Location:
Normal, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 70000 - 82000
Posted on:
15 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Director of Donor Stewardship
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal Illinois
Title: Director of Donor Stewardship
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: Development-Fundraising
Campus Location: Normal IL
Job Summary
Effective donor stewardship is an essential element of successful fundraising. As a vital component of the fundraising team the Director of Donor Stewardship is responsible for providing university-wide leadership for donor stewardship recognition and engagement activities that support fundraising priorities across annual major and principal gift programs. The position exercises independent professional judgment in the development coordination and execution of donor engagement strategies and serves as a strategic partner and advisor to fundraising staff and campus leadership in the retention and growth of donors in order to maximize fundraising success.
The role ensures donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with institutional priorities campaign strategy and donor intent throughout the fundraising lifecycle.
Additional Information
The Development-Fundraising Unit is responsible for securing and stewarding private philanthropic support that advances the Universitys mission strategic priorities and long-term financial sustainability. As a results-driven partner to university leadership Development-Fundraising builds and manages relationships with alumni donors corporate partners and friends translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that drive measurable outcomes sustained fundraising growth and enduring confidence.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$70000 - $82000
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelors degree.
2. Three (3) years of experience in philanthropy advancement stewardship or a related professional field.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines.
4. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in a professional setting.
5. Effective written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Experience using data or systems to support decision-making or process improvement.
7. Experience managing personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Experience working in higher education or a comparably complex organization.
2. Knowledge of endowment fund administration and private donor scholarship processes.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior university leadership foundation board members and major or principal-level donors.
Work Hours
8am 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and/or weekends.
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods of time.
3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
4. Use standard office equipment and technology to perform essential job functions.
5. Occasionally work evenings and weekends as required to activities events and priorities.
Proposed Starting Date
March 2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on Apply
Special Instructions for Applicants
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits including health dental vision and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here: Information for Applicants
Jillian Nelson
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable an employment history review based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system please call Human Resources at .
Department
Development-FundraisingEffective donor stewardship is an essential element of successful fundraising. As a vital component of the fundraising team the Director of Donor Stewardship is responsible for providing university-wide leadership for donor stewardship recognition and engagement activities that support fundraising priorities across annual major and principal gift programs. The position exercises independent professional judgment in the development coordination and execution of donor engagement strategies and serves as a strategic partner and advisor to fundraising staff and campus leadership in the retention and growth of donors in order to maximize fundraising role ensures donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with institutional priorities campaign strategy and donor intent throughout the fundraising lifecycle.
Current Opportunities
Department
Development-FundraisingEffective donor stewardship is an essential element of successful fundraising. As a vital component of the fundraising team the Director of Donor Stewardship is responsible for providing university-wide leadership for donor stewardship recognition and engagement activities that support fundraising priorities across annual major and principal gift programs. The position exercises independent professional judgment in the development coordination and execution of donor engagement strategies and serves as a strategic partner and advisor to fundraising staff and campus leadership in the retention and growth of donors in order to maximize fundraising role ensures donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with institutional priorities campaign strategy and donor intent throughout the fundraising lifecycle.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
About Company
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