Director, Stewardship and Donor Relations

Category:: Staff and Administrators
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Department:: UA-VP University Advancement 7205
Locations:: Worcester, MA
Posted:: Nov 5, 2024
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Full-time - Exempt
Position ID:: 182762

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Advancement Strategy and Campaign Planning the Director of Stewardship, Donor Relations and Advancement Operations is one of eight team members on the Advancement Strategy and Campaign Planning team. This position manages and oversees a team of two and is responsible for the oversight of the preparation of nearly 300 annual, customized stewardship reports to close to 500 donors and fund contacts on Clark's endowed, restricted, and annual funds, including chairs, fellowships, scholarships, lectures, internships, commencement awards, and prizes. The director ensures compliance with donor intent and surveys undergraduate students to obtain information for personalized scholarship matching and reporting. This position will also draft acknowledgement letters for gifts of all types and at all levels for various signers.

This position will create and implement a plan that stewards Clark's highest-level donors. This includes gifts of all types to scholarship funds, centers, programs and much more. This position will also find creative ways to celebrate donors' anniversaries of all kinds including special occasions. This position requires an individual willing to research, assess and strategize based on findings while taking scale and budget into account. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage a team of two an Associate Director and an Assistant Director.
• Oversee the preparation of 300 annual, customized stewardship reports to 500 donors and fund contacts on Clark's endowed, restricted, and annual funds, including chairs, fellowships, scholarships, lectures, internships, commencement awards, and prizes. This position ensures compliance with donor intent and surveys undergraduate students to obtain information for personalized scholarship reports; (30%)
• Manage the acknowledgement letter process for all individual gifts of all types and at all levels for various purposes and signers. This includes the management of our receipting process, multi-tiered gift acknowledgement process categorized by amount and constituency, monthly giving program and other promotional giving opportunities throughout the year; (30%)
• Prepare high level stewardship reports for Clark's most generous donors; (20%)
• Develop a stewardship program that celebrates donor milestones and anniversaries of all kinds; (10%)
• Assist in the process to create endowed fund agreements, Clark Fund Scholarships and other current-use gift agreements; (5%)
• Explore new ways to organize and maintain information and the process for reporting back to our donors utilizing new technology where possible. (5%)
  

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years' experience in advancement or a related setting. Preferably in a stewardship or donor relations role.
• Strong writing skills necessary. Preferably for an advancement audience to express gratitude through acknowledgement letters and stewardship reporting.
• The ability to learn and adapt to writing for multiple voices for various programs and other areas where giving opportunities present themselves.
• Excellent organization, oral and written communication skills, and strong technical. and analytical skills to include problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of the Raiser's Edge database is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and precise time management.
• Flexibility and high tolerance for change.
• Proven track record for working well independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to self-motivate and multi-task.
• Desire to have fun while working in an environment of intelligent and highly motivated people.
• Ability to understand and embrace Clark's mission as a liberal arts university with. distinctive impact-based research opportunities for undergraduates and over 30 graduate school programs.
• Some weekend and evening work is required during reunion weekend and other signature events.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and use utmost discretion.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

At Clark University, we are dedicated to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. We believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, employee development programs, and campus culture. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

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