About the University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – very high research activity as a Doctoral/Research University. Financial Times Higher Education, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review have consistently ranked DU among the nation’s top 100 universities and among the top three universities in the state of Colorado.
The University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that define our region and our history. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world.
About DU Advancement
In preparation for the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the University’s history, the University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.
The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.
About the Donor Relations & Stewardship Team
The Donor Relations & Stewardship team is an integral part of the fundraising success at DU. Centrally supporting University-wide efforts, the team consists of a Director, an Associate Director, two Managers, and the Coordinator. It’s a cross-collaborative, highly communicative, supportive, and kind environment where quality, excellence, and initiative are the cornerstones of our work. We serve many constituencies and have a strong focus on delivering good customer service, a pleasant experience, and timely responses to all inquiries.
Position Summary
The Manager, Stewardship reports directly to the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship and
serves as an integral member of the Donor Relations & Stewardship team by serving as the main point of contact for all donor relations and stewardship recognition programs, stewardship programs, and donor communications. The Manager, Stewardship is responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day management of University-wide annual, lifetime, and planned giving recognition programs; annual giving stewardship, special recognition programs like loyal giving, first-time donors, alumni giving, etc. This position will craft and execute a cohesive communication and stewardship calendar (donor updates, birthday cards, holiday cards, etc.) that increases the engagement and philanthropic commitment of our most dedicated supporters, inclusive of students, alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and organizations. This position will also act as a liaison and strategic partner for all unit-based giving circles.
The successful candidate for this position will have excellent project management skills, keen attention to detail and a commitment to elevating the experience of our most loyal and generous donors.
Essential Functions
Correspondence
- Create and maintain donor stewardship and communications calendar
- Coordinate and execute stewardship programming at varying cadences, for a variety of audiences using multiple platforms
- Document and consistently update the donor experience, understanding overlapping audiences, opportunities to collaborate, and ways to streamline processes.
- Partner with fundraisers and unit partners on stewardship activity, impact reporting, and opportunities to collaborate.
- Conduct regular trainings and toolkits to the Advancement team on all stewardship programming.
Stewardship
- Create “surprise and delight” moments for donors at varying levels of giving
- Develop plans for segmentation and reaching audiences in a strategic manner, related to the way in which they support DU.
- Coordinate impact reports for key areas or for segments of donor groups
- Partner with Annual Giving, Development, Planned Giving, Communications, and other teams to understand areas of improvement, opportunities for partnership, and ways to infuse stewardship into their processes and fundraising plans
- Manage relationship with athletics for stewardship and donor cultivation purposes
University Citizenship
- Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices.
- Model “One DU” thinking
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently with exemplary project management skills and attention to detail.
- Must possess exceptional organizational skills and high internal standards of quality service.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal, written and organizational skills for developing and maintaining relationships.
- Ability to work well in a team environment and be self-motivated.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, plan and implement short- and long-term goals based on the program needs.
- Knowledge of the Windows Office Suite software necessary, advanced understanding of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel and Word required.
- Ability to understand and appreciate cultural differences that impact constituents and to communicate effectively across cultures.
- An understanding and attitude of customer service; ability to be very flexible and adapt to change.
- Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that that require sensitivity and tact.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for the degree qualification).
- 2 years of donor/constituent/member relations experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education or similarly complex environment.
- The ideal candidate has a demonstrated depth of knowledge and familiarity with technology, preferably education and engagement software, with a strong understanding of fundamental stewardship practices and comfort with large datasets.
Working Environment
- Standard open office environment
- Noise level is quiet to moderate
- Eligible for hybrid work
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period
- Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. with assistance
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) August 7, 2023
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 9.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non-discrimination-statement .
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Advertised: July 18, 2023
Applications close: