Working Position Title Senior Director/Director of Donor Relations (33856)
Classification Director
Position Number 00033856
Open Date 03/20/2024
Close Date
Priority Review Date 04/19/2024
Employee Class Staff
Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time
FTE 1.00
Position Status Regular
FLSA Exempt
Job code 1330SPS03
Union Representation Non-Union
Union Code N/A
Unit/Department Development Operations
College/Unit Development Operations
Division University Advancement
Location SP 220
Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://foundation.myniu.com/

Overview
Position Summary
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, implement and direct a comprehensive integrated donor-centric stewardship plan to build donor trust and fulfillment through strategic and meaningful contact, experiences, and outstanding donor service.
• Develop, implement, and manage institution-wide stewardship plan that includes continuous outreach to faculty and staff to ensure funds utilization compliance with donor intent; creating a centralized information hub to assist with crafting, deployment and tracking of donor acknowledgments; and customize donor events based on established cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the Gift Planning team to develop and implement an annual engagement plan for major and annual fund donors.
• Manage all inventory of naming opportunities related to new and existing facilities, including oversight and project management related to the execution of donor communications and the installation of physical elements of donor recognition.
• Develop and coordinate the timely delivery of comprehensive and engaging stewardship reports to donors, ensuring accurate reflection of the impact of their contributions. This includes gathering data, crafting personalized narratives, overseeing the production of supporting multimedia elements, in partnership with UA Communications Team, and maintaining ongoing communication to foster strong, trusting donor relationships.
• Create a quantitative and qualitative measurement system to evaluate the effectiveness and success of all stewardship and recognition programs utilizing the data to improve standards and further the success of fundraising goals.
• Conducts routine analyses of applicable inter/intra departmental processes, policies, and related materials through the deployment of donor surveys and/or focus groups to understand and improve the donor experience, increase retention, and increased giving.
• Develops annual departmental goals, objectives, key performance metrics and associated budget which support the advancement of the Division's mission.
• Maintains working knowledge of industry best practices and standards to promote departmental longevity and divisional efficacy.

• The Director must create and maintain a positive and professional relationship between the university and its donors, alumni, and constituents; collaborate with various UA units to determine effective donor stewardship strategies; and elevate the overall philanthropic experience to support donor cultivation at NIU.
• Serves as subject matter expert on donor guideline agreement process and implementation, in collaboration with the Gift Planning team, provides collaboration and training to division and university collaborators.
• Utilizes qualitative and quantitative inputs from a wide range of leaders across campus to inform and develop highly customized stewardship plans for lead and major gift donors, lifetime and deferred/bequest giving societies, and annual fund donors. Collaborate with UA Communications/Marketing and identify areas of integrated marketing opportunities to tell donor impact stories and emotionally connect donors to NIU.
• Serves as primary stewardship portfolio manager for major donors assigned to Executive- and Senior-level gift officers. Facilitate and execute stewardship efforts for annual fund donors, lifetime donors and donors of deferred/bequest gifts.
• Manages and maintains regular stewardship interactions and communications to demonstrate donor impact, foster meaningful relationships and cultivate donors to their highest level of philanthropy.
• Leads the development and execution of strategic recognition and stewardship events, and programs for key donors and giving societies, in collaboration with UA Events Team and other necessary departments.
• May serve on scholarship review committee, as needed.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) or more years of Donor Relations in a nonprofit or university advancement environment.
• Three (3) or more years of experience managing teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, SharePoint, Teams, etc.

Additional Requirements (SPS)
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Two (2) or more years of experience interacting with donors in live, virtual, and phone settings.
• Familiar with digital stewardship and engagement platforms such as ThankView, MailChimp, etc.
• Proficient with constituent resource management tools such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, etc.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience working as part of a comprehensive campaign effort.
• Membership and/or previous involvement with professional development organizations such as Association of Donor Relations Professionals, Donor Relations Guru, etc.

Physical demands/requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• There is a high level of keyboarding and virtual meeting use.
• The employee may be required to walk; use fingers and hands to feel, grasp, operate or handle objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs. regularly.
• Some travel is required and a professional commitment to a variable schedule is required.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date May 15, 2024
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Percent of Staff Year 1.00
Standard Hours Per Week 37.50
Working Hours University office hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, donor work may also be professionally conducted at times and places consistent with donor availability. This may include nights, weekends, and trips outside the University's primary locations (DeKalb, Napervi
Salary Starting at $85,000/annually, commensurate with experience.
Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range Starting at $3,541.67/semi-monthly
Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with the NIU Foundation and how your previous experiences positions you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References

Special Instructions
Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/76867
Is Background Check Required? Yes
EEO Statement Summary
Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation
Safety Information