- DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS
Job Number:
12-OIA-02
Status:
RFT
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm - occasional weekends
Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Requirements
Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds. Education:
Bachelor degree or higher required. Experience/Skills:
- Bachelor's degree or higher required. Advanced degree in a field such as business, maketing, non-profit management or higher education administration preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- A commitment to the Lutheran model of higher education, in which fundamental issues are explored from all angles with intellectual rigor, integrity, openness, and respect, and where faith and learning are held together in lively interaction.
- Ability to regard differing points of view, to foster consensus, and to embrace the University's new Strategic Plan.
- A minimum five years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, donor relations, marketing, public relations or similar work required.
- Previous management and professional experience in advancement, stewardship and/or donor relations required.
- Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to both delegate and to execute, the ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting required; an exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative required; outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write well required.
- Demonstrated track record of strategic and creative approaches to building and managing a proactive and strategic donor relations program.
- Excellent verbal and writing skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills required.
- Strong commitment to customer service required.
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact required.
- Must be flexible and adaptable to new programs in an emerging and changing environment required.
- Experience in an institution of higher education preferred.
Job Summary:
Valparaiso University is moving forward on a path of growth and innovation, energized by a recently completed Strategic Plan. A comprehensive institution of higher learning grounded on a historic foundation in the liberal arts, Valparaiso University offers outstanding professional and graduate degree programs in engineering, nursing business and law.
Valparaiso University now invites nominations and applications for the position of, Director of Donor Relations.
The Director of Donor Relations will serve as an integral part of the Advancement Operations and Campaign Planning team, reporting to the Executive Director. He/she will be responsible for building and leading a best-in-class Donor Relations program in support of the University's next campaign. the Director will be expected to design a unique set of donor-centered programs, including stewardship events (e.g., scholarship receptions, dedications, groundbreakings, etc.), custom and standardized stewardship reporting, tokens of appreciation, and annual donor communications (e.g., annual honor roll) that serve to further engage and cultivate existing donors. The Director will also be asked to identify operational improvements to integrate a donor-centered approach to donor relations within the division.
The Director of Donor Relations will work with the Advancement senior leadership team to ensure that all advancement events have a clear purpose and a sound strategy to meet advancement goals, including plans for post-event follow-up and new prospect identification/assignment, where applicable. The Director will ensure that University event resources are used as effectively as possible by evaluating and identifying operational improvements in project management, activity and cost tracking.
The Director will lead and/or participate in University-wide conversations about outreach, donor relations and advancement stewardship strategy. He/she will serve as a member of the Operations and Campaign Planning team, ensuring that Donor Relations and Stewardship are integrated into the overall advancement program. The Director will be responsible for completing other duties as assigned.
To be considered for this position:
Step 1: Complete the Valparaiso University Employment Application.
Step 2: Send electronic copy of cover letter, resume and references.
Step 3: Please complete the EEO form. (Completion of this form is strictly voluntary, however, we would appreciate your input).
All materials can be sent electronically to Human.Resources@valpo.edu (OR) fax to 219-464-6887.
Address cover letter to:
Leslie Gonnella, Executive Director Advancement Operations and Campaign Planning
Valparaiso University
Loke Hall
Valparaiso, IN 46383Equal Employment Opportunity - Non-Discrimination and Commitment to Diversity - (Informational material)
Valparaiso University does not unlawfully discriminate and aims to employ persons of various backgrounds and experience to help constitute a diverse community. Its entire EOE policy can be found at: http://www.valpo.edu/equalopportunity/index.php
NOTICE: Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Valparaiso University participates in E-VERIFY to confirm work authorization.