Donor Relations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Donor Relations Specialist

Position Summary

The Donor Relations Specialist supports the University’s donor stewardship efforts by producing high‐quality donor communications, managing the Named Scholarship Program, and strengthening engagement between donors and scholarship recipients.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare timely donor acknowledgments, thank‐you letters, student notes, and other stewardship communications.
• Ensure all donor communications comply with IRS regulations, University policies, and stewardship best practices.
• Coordinate named scholarship recipient selection with Financial Aid, Finance, Admissions, and academic units.
• Support endowed fund reporting and donor stewardship for scholarship programs.
• Facilitate donor–student interactions through events, meetings, and structured touch points.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, or donor relations (higher education preferred).
• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; competency in PowerPoint and basic design tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems.
• Knowledge of stewardship practices in higher education.

Work Requirements

• Standard office environment; occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.