Director of Donor Engagement

About Saint Peter's UniversitySaint Peter's is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Established in 1872, the University blends a unique learning experience shaped by rigorous academics, internships that provide real-world experience, community service, and a genuine, caring community that supports alumni long after graduation. Saint Peter's offers more than 50 undergraduate majors as well as master's level and doctorate programs.Job SummaryThe Director of Donor Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university's donor stewardship and engagement efforts, with a particular focus on donor-supported scholarships and awards. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Advancement Operations and Analytics, this role works collaboratively across Advancement, Financial Aid, and other campus partners to ensure the successful, timely, and mission-aligned awarding of donor funds. The Director is responsible for creating meaningful donor experiences that strengthen long-term relationships, demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, and support the university's fundraising goals. This position serves as the primary coordinator for gift agreements and campaign pledge documentation, oversees donor acknowledgements from senior leadership, stewardship communications, and all stewardship events, and will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive 3-5 year strategic plan for donor engagement. This includes the direct management of giving societies and board-level logistics. The Director also provides direct supervision, mentorship, and leadership to the Donor Engagement Coordinator.Duties and Responsibilities:Donor Stewardship & Engagement Lead the university's donor stewardship and engagement strategy to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences across all donor segments. Develop and implement a 3-5 year strategic plan for donor engagement that aligns with institutional priorities and Advancement goals. Design and oversee stewardship programs that demonstrate donor impact, strengthen donor relationships, and encourage continued philanthropic support. Steward the 1872 Society in collaboration with the Vice President and AVP of Leadership and Planned Giving, while partnering with the Director of Planned Giving on the Pavonia Heritage Society and the Annual Giving team on the President's Circle and Pavo Loyalty Societies. Ensure timely, accurate, and thoughtful donor recognition and acknowledgement, including presidential and vice-presidential thank-you letters. Oversee specialized correspondence and high-level stewardship for VIP donors, including condolence letters, Luster letters, grant acknowledgments, and honor/memorial letters. Establish standards, timelines, and best practices for stewardship activities and communications.Scholarship & Award Administration Work closely with Financial Aid and other internal partners to ensure donor-supported scholarships and awards are awarded accurately, equitably, and on schedule. Serve as a primary liaison between Advancement and Financial Aid on all matters related to donor-funded scholarships. Act as the central coordinator for the drafting, review, and execution of all gift agreements to ensure institutional alignment and donor intent. Oversee processes and communications related to scholarship stewardship, including donor impact reporting and student thank-you correspondence. Coordinate the administration and recognition of Michaelmas and Commencement Awards. Facilitate donor meetings with recipients to foster engagement and illustrate the impact of giving. Monitor compliance with donor intent, gift agreements, and institutional policies related to scholarship and award funds.Stewardship Events & Communications Provide strategic oversight for the planning, execution, and evaluation of all stewardship events, including donor recognition events, scholarship receptions, and impact-focused gatherings. Work with the Leadership & Planned Giving team to strategize and implement dinners and receptions at Guarini House. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications and other partners to develop stewardship messaging that reflects the university's mission, values, and donor expectations. Ensure stewardship events and communications are inclusive, meaningful, and aligned with best practices in donor engagement.Management & Leadership Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development for the Donor Engagement Coordinator. Set clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations for the coordinator, ensuring alignment with departmental and institutional objectives. Manage the lifecycle of campaign pledge documentation, ensuring all multi-year commitments are properly recorded and tracked. Supervise technical stewardship operations, including tax receipting (general, event, stock), DAF and IRA letters, and the distribution of pledge reminders. Delegate operational and administrative responsibilities as appropriate while maintaining accountability for outcomes. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and donor-centric team culture.Collaboration, Strategy & Assessment Partner closely with Advancement colleagues, campus leadership, and internal stakeholders to support integrated donor engagement efforts. Use data and analytics, in collaboration with Advancement Operations and Analytics, to assess donor engagement effectiveness and inform strategy. Track and evaluate stewardship activities and outcomes to continuously improve donor experiences. Establish, document, and refine workflows, policies, and procedures related to donor stewardship and engagement.Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000Benefits:Along with a competitive salary, we provide a robust benefits package to support your health and future goals.Key Benefits Include: Paid Time Off: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave Health Coverage: Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance Life & Disability Insurance: Voluntary life and voluntary disability coverage Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer contributions Tuition Remission: An attractive tuition remission policy for employees and their dependents Additional Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Legal plan, FSA and moreThe well-being of our employees is a priority for our University, and we are committed to promoting your success and well-being.Qualification Standards: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in advancement, development, donor relations, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in the drafting, vetting, and administration of formal gift agreements and campaign pledge instruments. Demonstrated experience managing donor stewardship programs and supervising staff. Expertise in donor gift substantiation, including tax receipting and compliance for various gift types (DAF, IRA, Stock). Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience developing and executing multi-year strategic plans. Experience in higher education, preferably at a private liberal arts institution. Familiarity with financial aid processes and donor-funded scholarship administration. Experience managing stewardship events, including logistics and catering. Comfort working with data, reporting tools, and CRM systems.

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