Director of Donor Relations

Department Statement
Colgate University, a top-ranked liberal arts college, is seeking to fill the newly created position of Director of Donor Relations. Founded in 1819, Colgate is a small, highly selective residential liberal arts college for students of talent who are preparing for lives of leadership and productive citizenship. The University is preparing to launch a comprehensive campaign in support of theThird-Century Plan, a roadmap that will advance Colgate’s efforts to pursue its mission at the highest level and establish Colgate as one of the finest undergraduate institutions in the nation. One of the components—the Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ( DEI )— stands as Colgate’s most definitive plan in 200 years for elevating the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the institution.

The Director of Donor Relations reports to the Associate Vice President for Advancement Administration and Planning and is a member of the Advancement Leadership Group ( ALG ). The Director is accountable for developing strategy and directing execution of an institution-wide comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of donors through timely and suitable donor recognition activities, reports, events, naming opportunities, and dedications. The Director is responsible for developing strategy that promotes positive and mutually rewarding relationships between the University and its donors; partnering with colleagues in Advancement to determine the best strategies for effective stewardship of donors; maintaining ongoing and active networking with internal and external constituencies; and advising on the appropriate creation and usage of gift funds.

The Director is accountable for planning and overseeing the implementation of individualized donor engagement and stewardship opportunities and managing the development and implementation of customized strategies to acknowledge and steward principal gift donors, board members, and other VIPs. The Director is responsible for the job evaluation, supervision, development, and continued professional growth of two direct reports in Donor Relations. Accountabilities
Accountable for developing strategy and directing execution of an institution-wide comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of donors through timely and suitable donor recognition activities, reports, events, naming opportunities, and dedications. Responsible for developing strategy that promotes positive and mutually rewarding relationships between the university and its donors; partnering with colleagues in Advancement to determine the best strategies for effective stewardship of donors; maintaining ongoing and active networking with internal and external constituencies; and advising on the appropriate creation and usage of gift funds.

Accountable for planning and overseeing the implementation of individualized donor engagement and stewardship opportunities and managing the development and implementation of customized strategies to acknowledge and steward principal gift donors, board members, and other VIPs.

Responsible for the job evaluation, development and continued professional growth of all direct reports. Responsible for the effective supervision of staff in Donor Relations. Ensures selection and hiring of high quality employees; ensures appropriate distribution of work assignments and high quality of employee work product; ensures fair, accurate and timely performance assessments and feedback to include identifying areas for professional development and documenting and conducting disciplinary measures, as needed. Responsible for ensuring fair and accurate decisions regarding employment status (hire, promotion, salary increases, termination); ensures the creation of effective opportunities and programs for employee mentoring, development and sustained performance. Professional Experience/ Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and seven years of experience in higher education, non-profit organizations, and/or fundraising OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Demonstrated successful management and supervisory experience.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as excellent editing skills.

Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills including diplomacy, tact, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a professional manner with alumni and donors, University faculty and staff, students, outside vendors and service providers, and other members of the Colgate community.

Ability to function independently yet relate comfortably to a multifaceted fundraising environment, participating in and contributing to a total team effort.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

Ability to participate in occasional evening and weekend work to support Advancement’s and the University’s events including blocks of time for major events, such as Reunion, Family Weekend, and Homecoming, and other event support as required. Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, NXT, or CRM .

Donor relations experience. Education Job Open Date 11/02/2021 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary EEO Statement
It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, click the "How to Apply" button.