Director of Donor Relations

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The Position

The Director of Donor Relations provides strategic leadership within the Advancement Division, focusing on the cultivation, recognition, and stewardship of the College’s donors. This role ensures that donors feel valued, informed, and engaged in the mission of the College through innovative stewardship strategies, personalized communication, and impactful recognition programs.

The Director develops and oversees the implementation of a comprehensive stewardship plan that supports the College’s fundraising efforts, endowment growth, and donor retention. Key areas of responsibility include donor recognition, stewardship communications, and impact and endowment reporting. This position works collaboratively with Advancement staff and campus partners to promote a culture of philanthropy that honors the contributions of all donors.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Stewardship Planning:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy in collaboration with the Senior Director of Advancement Services and other key staff.
• Design and execute stewardship processes for major, endowed, restricted, and unrestricted gifts, including distinguished recognition levels and named opportunities (e.g., giving societies, pavers, tributes).
• Evaluate donor relations programs and recommend enhancements to improve donor retention and engagement.

2. Donor Recognition and Impact Reporting:

• Manage donor recognition societies, including the Associates Society and Presidents Society, ensuring high-quality experiences for members.
• Lead the creation and delivery of compelling donor impact and endowment reports, ensuring transparency and accountability for gift usage.
• Oversee donor acknowledgment efforts, including personalized thank-you letters, special gifts, and milestone recognition.
• Manage campus-wide physical donor recognition (plaques/donor walls, inventory, maintain standards, uphold brand integrity).

3. Communication and Engagement:

• Develop and implement an annual stewardship calendar of activities that includes personalized communication, impact reporting, events, and outreach.
• Collaborate with Advancement staff to produce high-quality print and digital materials that celebrate donors’ contributions as necessary.
• Work closely with key College partners to ensure consistent and meaningful donor engagement.

4. Supervision and Administration:

• Recruit, train, and supervise student workers to assist with stewardship efforts.
• Monitor stewardship program effectiveness through data analysis, feedback, and outcome assessments.

5. Other Responsibilities:

• Partner with Advancement staff to identify new opportunities for donor engagement and recognition.
• Remain up to date on industry best practices in donor relations and stewardship.
• Perform other duties as assigned and travel as required for donor engagement and professional development.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

2. Experience:

• 3–5 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, or alumni engagement, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful stewardship programs.

3. Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a donor-focused approach.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft meaningful donor acknowledgments and impact reports.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with donor databases (e.g., CRM Advance) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with design software (e.g., Adobe) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive donor information.
• Creativity and a passion for storytelling to inspire donor confidence and loyalty.

Additional Information:

This position may require occasional evening and weekend hours for Advancement coordinated recognition events.

Last updated on Jan 10, 2025