Director of Donor Relations

Iowa State University Foundation - Ames, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Ames, IA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

As a part of the donor relations team, this position will partner with the unit lead of donor relations and events to develop organization-wide stewardship strategies that build and promote solid relationships between constituents and Iowa State University. A strong understanding of the donor life cycle, ability to work with urgency, and commitment to proactive customer service are critical to this role. This position will lead a team of professionals in their work supporting the 4 pillars of donor relations: engagement, acknowledgement, stewardship, and recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of donor relations professionals in efforts to engage, steward, acknowledge and recognize donors.
• Handle personnel matters: hire, train, coach/mentor, supervise and evaluate, providing formal written feedback twice a year and conducting regular check-ins with staff focused both on current projects and tasks, as well as career growth and leadership development.
• Work collaboratively with others to develop, execute, and creatively sustain unique donor stewardship opportunities for donors in top markets including but not limited to creating personalized stewardship reports, overseeing the overall awards process for foundation administered awards, and helping ensure important donor milestones are planned for and celebrated.
• Work collaboratively to build a long-term stewardship program, spearheading a pilot program and scaling out strategies over time.
• Serve as a liaison to constituent units, bringing relevant information back to the donor relations and events team for project intake and to execute work accordingly.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team of foundation staff in the annual fund activity reporting process.
• Co-lead the Governors Awards Committee and their work in recognizing the generosity and service of alumni and donors to the university.
• Partner with supervisor to create the overall budget for stewardship activities and monitor expenditures to ensure accuracy and responsible use of funds.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in journalism, marketing, communications, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of professional experience related to employment area, preferably donor relations in higher education.
• Experience managing professional staff is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing and leading professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), editorial skills, and attention to detail.
• Possess excellent judgment, organizational planning and diplomacy, and a professional attitude.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and InDesign.
• Experience with Ascend on Salesforce or other CRM or possess the ability to learn new software.
• Ability to develop big picture concepts and hands-on tactical execution.
• Experience impacting fundraising results through communication strategies.
• Ability to manage professional, experienced staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoy a broad range of responsibilities in a collaborative environment.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University's land grant ideals.

Benefits

• Potential hybrid work after 6 months
• Exempt position
• Local travel required