Associate Director of Donor Relations
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Job Number: 497466
Type: Full-time
Campus: Mount Carmel - Hamden, CT
Categories: Staff
Overview
Quinnipiac University invites applications for the position of Associate Director of Donor Relations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Donor Relations, this position is instrumental in advancing the University's comprehensive donor relations and stewardship strategy. The Associate Director develops and implements thoughtful, strategic, and highly personalized stewardship initiatives that strengthen donor relationships, demonstrate the meaningful impact of philanthropic investments, and inspire continued engagement and support.
As a key member of the Advancement team, the Associate Director leads stewardship initiatives for principal and major gift donors, developing compelling impact reports, customized communications, and meaningful engagement opportunities that inspire continued investment in the University's mission.
Working collaboratively with Advancement colleagues and campus partners, the Associate Director ensures a coordinated, consistent, and exceptional donor experience. Aligned with Quinnipiac's strategic priorities and the For the Ambitious campaign, this role advances a culture of philanthropy by fostering donor confidence, strengthening engagement and retention, and cultivating lasting relationships that support the University's continued growth and success.
Responsibilities
Principal Donor Stewardship & Campaign Alignment
- Execute stewardship strategies for principal and campaign-level donors, ensuring meaningful, personalized donor experiences that deepen engagement and inspire continued philanthropy.
- Partner closely with the Assistant Vice President for Development and Campaign Management and other colleagues to align stewardship efforts with priorities of the For the Ambitious campaign.
- Lead the implementation and ongoing management of the Individualized Stewardship Plan (ISP) program, ensuring consistent, strategic, and donor-centric engagement.
Impact Reporting & Donor Communications
- Oversee the development of high-quality impact reports for principal and major gift donors, managing projects from concept through final production.
- Serve as primary liaison to internal and external writing partners and vendors for annual and campaign-related reporting.
- Write and edit a range of donor communications, including Presidential acknowledgments, campaign correspondence, and bespoke stewardship pieces, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and institutional messaging.
- Translate complex institutional priorities into compelling narratives that demonstrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on students, faculty, and programs.
Donor Engagement & Recognition
- Plan and execute donor engagement and recognition events, including Quinnipiac’s signature donor recognition celebrations, in partnership with University Events, Alumni Engagement, and Advancement colleagues.
- Ensure events and engagement opportunities reflect the University’s values and campaign messaging, enhancing donor connection to Quinnipiac’s mission and community.
- Oversee donor recognition initiatives that ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment of philanthropic support.
Stewardship Operations & Program Management
- Assist in the daily execution and continuous improvement of the University’s comprehensive donor relations program, including stewardship workflows, timelines, and reporting cycles.
- Maintain and manage an inventory of named spaces and naming opportunities, ensuring accuracy and alignment with University policies and donor intent.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for donor signage, partnering with colleagues in Advancement, Marketing & Communications, and Facilities to ensure consistent and appropriate recognition.
- Support the broader stewardship reporting cycle and take on additional responsibilities as needed to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables across the fiscal year.
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required in English, Communications, Journalism, Professional Writing, or a related field
- Master’s degree –in a related discipline is preferred
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in donor relations, advancement communications, fundraising, alumni relations, higher education, nonprofit management, or a related field
- Experience in higher education advancement, campaign stewardship, principal or major gift fundraising, or nonprofit philanthropy strongly preferred
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to develop compelling, polished communications for senior leadership, principal and major gift donors, and diverse institutional audiences
- Strong project management skills and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Strategic thinking with a donor-centric mindset
- Collaborative approach and ability to work cross-functionally across the University
- Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential donor information
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, and experience working with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and donor databases
- Knowledge of donor relations best practices and fundraising, including CASE standards
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $75,000–$85,000 At the time of offer, the final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including relevant education, experience, skills, and competencies, as well as internal equity and market considerations. Quinnipiac University offers eligible full-time faculty and staff a comprehensive benefits package that may include health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, education benefits, and retirement benefits.
Advertised: Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:
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