Director, Donor Experience - Division of University Advancement

Location

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive donor stewardship and engagement strategy designed to strengthen donor relationships, enhance the donor experience, and support philanthropic growth. Oversees donor recognition, acknowledgment, engagement activities, events, impact reporting, and ongoing stewardship initiatives across the donor lifecycle. Working in close partnership with fundraising staff, campus stakeholders, and donor compliance teams, develops tiered stewardship programs, advises on donor recognition opportunities, and ensures strategic relationship plans are in place for key donors. Manages donor impact reporting and scholarship donor engagement initiatives and collaborates with development officers to implement meaningful stewardship experiences that promote donor retention, cultivation, and future giving. Fosters a culture of donor-centered engagement that advances the mission and fundraising goals of Kennesaw State University through strong leadership, relationship management, and communication

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develops and implements comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship strategies tailored to individual donors, colleges, and university priorities, ensuring alignment with development objectives and established procedures
2. Identifies, engages, and stewards major donors across the university in partnership with the Development team
3. Collaborates closely with senior leadership, including the CEO and AVP, to create meaningful engagement opportunities for top donors and prospects
4. Designs and manages innovative stewardship programs and initiatives that recognize, thank, and engage donors, while documenting and tracking stewardship activities within the CRM system (Raiser's Edge)
5. Strengthens connections between donors and the university by leveraging campus-wide engagement opportunities and partnering with donor compliance to deliver meaningful impact reporting
6. Leads the planning and execution of donor-focused events, including scholarship events, naming celebrations, donor recognition activities, student engagement opportunities, and donor hospitality programs
7. Oversees donor stewardship communications, including acknowledgments, newsletters, reports, and special correspondence, while partnering with Development Communications and Strategic Communications to ensure alignment with university branding and communication standards
8. Develops creative and strategic donor recognition and engagement opportunities that enhance donor satisfaction, strengthen relationships, and support the growth of the university's philanthropic community
9. Maintains expertise in donor engagement, stewardship, and philanthropic best practices by monitoring industry trends, emerging practices, and innovative approaches
10. Serves as a strategic partner to the fundraising team by promoting a culture of donor-centered stewardship, providing guidance and consultation to Development Directors on donor engagement, recognition, and relationship management strategies
11. Supervises stewardship and donor events staff, providing leadership, direction, performance management, and professional development to ensure effective program delivery and achievement of departmental goals and an environment that supports cultivation

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in post-secondary education, business, or a related field

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience
Five (5) years of related experience in advancement, development, or other related fundraising roles

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive university and the desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization
Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards
Membership in the Association of Donor Relations Professionals or other similar organizations

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Preferred Experience
Prior experience in a higher education or nonprofit donor engagement office
Expertise in developing stewardship strategies
Comprehensive campaign experience
Experience leading others

Proposed Salary

The salary range is up to $$96,000. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Strong initiative and a quick learner with the ability to think strategically and analytically and the organizational skills to move from vision to action
Able to manage a significant volume of diverse tasks, activities, and projects, including both tactical and strategic projects, while meeting assigned deadlines.

KNOWLEDGE
Working knowledge of and commitment to compliance with the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP) and all Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) regulations
Knowledgeable about donor databases and contact management/tracking systems
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, donor databases, etc.)

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Strong attention to detail, follow-up skills, and project management skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
Positive attitude, creative, and innovative thinking

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

Background Check

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• MVR

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf