Donor Relations Manager

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God's kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates. Benefits This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program. Job Summary Join a mission-driven team at Point Loma Nazarene University as the Stewardship Manager. In this dynamic, full-time role, you will lead and enhance a comprehensive donor stewardship program that strengthens relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the university through meaningful communications, recognition, events, scholarship stewardship, and endowment management. This position plays a vital role in advancing the university's mission by ensuring donors experience exceptional engagement and appreciation throughout their philanthropic journey. Salary Pay range $27.32 - $30.74 Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources. Job Status Full time Job Description What We're Looking For A relationship-focused professional who is passionate about creating meaningful donor experiences A strategic thinker who can evaluate programs, analyze data, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation An exceptional communicator with strong writing and interpersonal skills A highly organized project manager who can oversee multiple initiatives and meet competing deadlines Someone who enjoys planning and executing memorable donor events and recognition programs A collaborative team player who works effectively across departments and with university leadership A detail-oriented professional who can manage stewardship timelines, donor communications, and reporting with accuracy An individual who is comfortable working with databases/CRMs and using data to inform decisions A service-minded professional who builds trusted relationships with donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and campus partners What You'll Be Doing Leading and continually improving PLNU's stewardship program, including donor communications, recognition, events, scholarship stewardship, and endowment reporting Evaluating and enhancing giving societies, including Horizon Circle and Bresee Society, and establishing a new Parent and Family giving level. Managing giving society memberships, communications, benefits, and annual stewardship timelines Planning and coordinating donor appreciation events, including a Homecoming reception, a Christmas music event, and campus engagement opportunities Developing and maintaining a comprehensive stewardship calendar to ensure timely donor recognition and communications Coordinating stewardship initiatives such as Presidential communications, seasonal mailings, thank-you campaigns, and donor appreciation gifts Creating strategic stewardship plans for major and lifetime donors while supporting campaign and prospect management efforts Overseeing scholarship and endowment stewardship, including annual reports, donor communications, endowment agreements, and scholarship recognition activities Coordinating student thank-you letters, donor and student meet-and-greets, and scholarship workshops with campus partners Collaborating with academic departments, admissions, student financial services, and university leadership to ensure donor intent is honored and scholarship funds are managed appropriately Using data and program evaluation to measure stewardship effectiveness and drive continuous improvement Supervising student workers who assist with stewardship programs and events Performing additional duties as assigned in support of University Advancement initiatives Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field (Communications, Business, Public Relations, or similar) preferred Two to four years of event planning and program management experience Strong verbal and written communication skills Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines Experience with a database or CRM preferred Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows, and Google Workspace Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment Positive, friendly disposition with the ability to build effective relationships with donors, alumni, faculty, #J-18808-Ljbffr