Associate Director of Strategic Donor Relations

Job Title: Associate Director of Strategic Donor Relations

Department: External Affairs, University Advancement

Position Reports to: Senior Director of Engagement

Effective Date: 07/01/2026

Position/Type: Exempt, Full-Time

Job Summary

Jacksonville University (JU) seeks a strategic, relationship-driven leader to serve as Associate Director of Strategic Donor Relations within the Office of University Advancement. This role is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship strategy that strengthens meaningful relationships across JU's philanthropic community and reinforces a strong culture of gratitude and long-term engagement.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Engagement and working closely with University Advancement colleagues, academic leaders, and community partners, the Associate Director will oversee donor acknowledgment and recognition programs, manage high-impact stewardship initiatives, lifetime giving societies, and priority scholarship supporters. This role is critical in ensuring donor intent is honored, philanthropic impact is communicated effectively, and donor experiences are meaningful and engaging.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Donor Stewardship & Compliance

• Lead the development and execution of university-wide donor relations and stewardship strategies that promote donor retention and foster a culture of philanthropy. Implement engagement initiatives that deepen donor relationships, recognize philanthropic impact, and encourage continued investment in the University.
• Partner with Major Gift Officers to develop tailored stewardship strategies for high- impact donors, while personally managing a portfolio of lifetime giving society members-including the 1934 Club, Lovett Heritage Society, and Frances Bartlett Kinne Society-as well as priority scholarship supporters.
• Coordinate stewardship activities across colleges, schools, and administrative units to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and fundraising strategy.
• Ensure all gifts are used in accordance with donor intent and institutional policies, maintaining strong compliance and ethical stewardship practices.
• Produce the University's annual endowment report and other impact reports or briefings as needed to communicate donor outcomes and institutional impact.

The Associate Director must be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, capable of crafting meaningful, donor-centered messaging and experiences. Experience developing personalized stewardship strategies for priority donors, managing giving societies, and overseeing scholarship stewardship programs is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, organizational excellence, and the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while maintaining high standards of professionalism and accuracy. Discretion, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence are critical, as is the ability to work effectively with diverse constituents across campus and within the broader philanthropic community.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in donor relations, stewardship, advancement, or nonprofit fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading institutional stewardship strategies.
• Experience working with high-impact donors and managing giving societies preferred.
• Experience overseeing scholarship stewardship programs, donor engagement events, and impact reporting strongly preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

Acknowledgment

I acknowledge receipt and understanding of this job description. I verify that I am capable of and willing to fulfill all essential functions of this position. I am willing to be flexible and willing to do various jobs that are not listed, as the need arises.