Director of Stewardship

Overview Join to apply for the Director of Stewardship role at Southwestern University . Position Overview Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Director of Stewardship. This full-time, 12-month, exempt position reports to the Associate Vice President for Development. The Director will create, implement, and manage a comprehensive, university-wide donor stewardship program, provide leadership and strategic planning for donor stewardship, strengthen existing donor relationships, and cultivate new ones. The role supports a premier donor recognition program to enhance the university’s visibility, impact, and fundraising outcomes. This position is eligible for the university7s comprehensive benefits program. Responsibilities Design, launch, and manage comprehensive stewardship and recognition programs for donors and volunteers at all giving levels. Collaborate with the President, senior leadership, faculty, staff, volunteers, and donors to achieve strategic objectives and deliver appropriate messages for stewardship efforts. Revise and manage a stewardship communications program, including donor- and volunteer-focused publications that communicate the university’s stewardship programs. Support the Director of University Events in developing donor recognition initiatives, including focused stewardship events, endowed funding opportunities, funds requiring donor reports, and naming opportunities. Establish and maintain policies, quality standards, and best practices for volunteer and donor recognition and stewardship. Research, benchmark, and adopt industry best practices to strengthen the university’s donor relations programs. Develop and implement a comprehensive tracking system for donor relations activities across the University. Manage the production and distribution of annual stewardship reports to individual donors for ongoing donations, endowed funds such as scholarships and professorships, and major capital gifts, ensuring consistency and quality, including annual roll of donors. Build and nurture professional relationships with Alumni and Parent Relations, Major and Annual Giving, Foundation Relations, Advancement Services and Operations, Marketing, and campus partners. Work with the Director of Advancement Services on gift acknowledgments and communications, and with the Director of University Events on programs and events. Oversee the stewardship budget and manage vendor relationships with custom-design-item suppliers. Additional Duties Support and participate in regular development office staff meetings and University special events. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience managing stewardship programs in a complex fundraising environment or related experience in project management. Ability to lead and manage complex projects independently, including setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and adapting to shifting demands. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with experience supervising staff and volunteers, managing budgets, and collaborating across departments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft strategic, donor-focused content and engage stakeholders at all levels. Strategic and creative thinker with a solid understanding of university advancement operations and donor engagement best practices. High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion; commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards. Resilient, adaptable, and mission-driven, with a strong work ethic and the ability to perform under pressure while maintaining a positive, team-oriented approach. Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree More than five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing stewardship programs in a complex fundraising environment or related experience in project management. Ability to understand, synthesize, and explain academic information to a wide audience in a clear and concise manner. Starting Salary Starting annual salary: $61,254 . The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary. Benefits Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, retirement contributions to a 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), paid time off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, among other benefits supporting well-being and work-life balance. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/173135. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. Equal Opportunity Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . 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