Director of Donor Engagement

Position: Director of Donor Engagement Department: Institutional Advancement Status: Full Time

Position Summary: The Director of Donor Engagement at Campbell University is a strategic leader responsible for the seamless integration of prospect research and donor stewardship initiatives. They will collaborate with development officers throughout the donor cycle. This role will be responsible for analyzing and synthesizing data to inform effective donor engagement strategies. This role requires a forward-thinking, innovative professional capable of designing and implementing comprehensive strategies to engage and connect with donors across all giving levels. The successful candidate will orchestrate the development and execution of multi-year plans to advance institutional fundraising efforts through effective prospect identification, collaboration with the Advancement team, and stewardship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Prospect Research and Management:

• Proactively identify and vet prospects with the capacity and inclination to grow the prospect pipeline and ensure the best prospects are actively qualified, assigned, and managed by development officers.
• Perform prospect research, analyze, synthesize, and summarize information in the form of written prospect profiles and reports.
• Prepare accurate research briefings for senior leadership and gift officers for the purpose of donor engagement, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Record, organize, maintain prospect information in electronic files and within Campbells constituent database, Ellucian CRM Advance.
• Strategically mine Campbells internal database, external publications, online resources to identify individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for major gift solicitation assignments.
• Provide support for periodic prospect management meetings and portfolio reviews with gift officers and Advancement leaders.
• Prepare gift officer activities, metrics and pipeline reports as requested by Institutional Advancement leadership.
• Participate in professional organizations, Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, and Council for Advancement and Support of Education, etc. and network with peers to stay abreast of the latest trends, tools, and resources for prospect research.

Donor Stewardship:

• Oversee stewardship activities to ensure donors are well-informed about the impact of their gifts.
• Manage a comprehensive donor acknowledgment system, including thank-you letters for scholarship recipients, stock gifts and annual stewardship.
• Optimize existing donor recognition societies and associated events for maximum impact and effectiveness.
• Partner with the Office of the President and Athletics to strategically manage invitations and coordinate the hosting and operation of the Presidents Suite during football and basketball gamedays.
• Prepare Institutional Advancements annual endowment report mailing.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in stewardship, development, prospect research, or related areas preferred.
• Previous experience working with volunteers and donors, with supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to compose professional correspondence and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing stewardship and donor relations activities, with proficiency in project management and attention to detail.
• High competence in computer programs, web-based content management systems, and digital/social media platforms including CRM databases and Microsoft 365.
• Professional experience in development or higher education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively to all groups through both oral and written channels.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Comprehensive computer skills, with the ability to learn and utilize new and emerging technology.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in relating to university administrators, academic leaders, university advancement staff, alumni, and other external audiences.
• Proven ability to lead, manage and organize multiple projects with energy, clarity, optimism, diplomacy, and integrity.
• Demonstrate tact, a positive attitude, courtesy, and discretion in dealing with trustees, faculty, staff, students, high-level university officials and the public.
• Work independently as well as function effectively in a team and within a diverse group of people.
• Exercise independent judgment in complex, new, and/or stressful situations.
• Manage multiple, concurrent projects, and meet set deadlines.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to work in a changing environment.
• This position demands accuracy, honesty, integrity, and the ability to work within the Christian mission of Campbell University.