At the University of Cincinnati Foundation, we commit ourselves to providing a
place where everyone belongs. We care deeply about those in our community, while
also taking care to nurture new relationships. We have the courage to dream big,
drive excellence and uphold integrity in our work.
Structure
The Director of Donor Experience and Events, Athletics is an exempt (salaried)
position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports
to the Assistant Vice President of Stewardship and Donor Experience.
Focus
The Director of Donor Experience and Events, Athletics provides strategic
leadership as part of the Stewardship and Donor Experience team to design and
deliver comprehensive, elevated, custom donor events and experiences, with a
primary emphasis on UC Athletics donors. This role oversees the development,
coordination, and execution of meaningful experiences that demonstrate impact,
strengthen donor relationships, and support long-term philanthropic commitment.
Specific Duties
* Lead implementation of athletic suite strategies, in partnership with
stakeholders from Athletics, the UC Foundation, and the university to enhance
donor and community relationships.
* Recruit, lead, motivate and manage a Stewardship and Donor Experience team
member; establish objectives, set performance standards and productivity
metrics, and evaluate performance; provide appropriate levels of training,
mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and
oversee day-to-day operations.
* Attend most home Men’s Basketball and Football Games to oversee game day
experience for suite guests.
* Lead and manage the planning, production, and execution of assigned donor
events and experiences, both in-person and virtual, in accordance with best
practices with a focus on large scale events. Includes preparation of event
briefings and staffing leadership.
- Implement donor touchpoints for assigned group of principal-level donors.
- Develop and implement a strategic vision and annual plan for donor events,
experiences, touchpoints and stewardship that align with UCATS priorities in
partnership with stakeholders.
* Uphold standards, processes, and timelines for event planning,
implementation, and follow-up to ensure consistency, quality, and a strong
donor-centered focus with stakeholders.
* Collaborate with stakeholders to develop event and touchpoint communications,
messaging, scripts, talking points, and content that highlight donor impact
and institutional priorities.
* Support events and stewardship for assigned sport-specific donor booster
groups.
* Oversee event and experience-related data management in the CRM, including
invitation lists, attendance, engagement tracking, and post-event follow-up,
ensuring consistent documentation and use of data to inform strategy.
* Develop and monitor event and experience budgets, including cost projections,
vendor contracts, and post-event financial reconciliation to ensure
responsible and efficient use of resources.
- Support away game donor experiences, as needed.
- Foster a culture of innovation by exploring new formats, technologies, and
approaches to donor events and recognition that enhance accessibility,
personalization, and impact.
* Represent the Stewardship and Donor Experience team on cross-functional
committees and working groups related to events, recognition, and donor
engagement.
- Support non-athletic Stewardship and Donor Experience events, as assigned.
- Participation in team focus areas and projects to ensure consistent and
meaningful stewardship across colleges/units.
- Support creation of impact reports for principal-level donors, as assigned.
- Fulfill team requirements on reporting and supporting organizational and
performance-based goals.
* Other duties, as assigned.
Requirements
* Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience or advanced degree
(preferred) with 3-5 years of experience.
* Progressive experience in donor relations, advancement, event management, or
related fields, preferably within higher education or athletics.
* Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams responsible for complex,
high-profile events and donor experiences.
* Able to work non-traditional, flexible hours, as needed for events, including
evenings, weekends, and travel when required. Valid driver’s license and
access to a vehicle required for travel.
* Strong organizational and project management skills: ability to plan,
coordinate, and execute multiple events and experiences efficiently and
effectively in a fast-paced environment.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to
interact professionally and confidently with donors, senior leaders, faculty,
clinicians, event attendees, and staff.
* Demonstrated success managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships and
collaborating across units to deliver cohesive donor experiences.
* Experience with CRM systems, event management platforms, and data-driven
decision-making to inform donor engagement strategies.
* Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop clear,
compelling event communications, briefings, and talking points for executive
and academic leaders.
* Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a high
level of discretion, professionalism, and donor focus. Proven ability to
handle, update, and maintain sensitive information in a confidential, timely,
and professional manner.
* A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the
mission of the University of Cincinnati.
What We Offer
The anticipated starting salary range for the Director of Donor Experience and
Events role is $70,000 to $80,000 annually. When determining final offer amount
the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and
responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience,
education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as
well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions.
At the UC Foundation, we understand the importance of providing both a desirable
work environment as well as benefits that provide our employee’s peace of mind
and work/life balance. We offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance
based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition
remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid
vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn
more, visit our careers [ page.
Physical Demands
This position is considered to have light work. Exerting up to 20lbs. of force
occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible
amount of force constantly to move objects. This position requires the operation
of a motor vehicle. This position also requires:
- Standing
- Walking
- Lifting
- Finger use
- Talking
- Hearing
- Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, this position is subject to outside
environmental conditions and indoor conditions.
Pre-Hire Requirements
The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals
to join our advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University
of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent
upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a
degree are also contingent upon education verification.
