Director of Donor Relations
$78,000–$105,000 year
On-siteDeerfield, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Oversee the Donor Relations & Stewardship Program by designing, implementing, and coordinating a comprehensive strategy to acknowledge, recognize, and engage donors. Partner with Leadership Gift Officers and the Deerfield Fund team to identify giving opportunities, prepare proposals, and develop individual stewardship plans for top donors and prospects. Manage annual donor recognition events, including the 1797 Society Reception and President's Dinner, while tracking engagement metrics and coordinating on-campus tours. Devise and execute strategic communications illustrating the impact of philanthropic support, compile Deerfield Academy statistics, and write special acknowledgments from the Head of School. Supervise the Assistant Director of Donor Relations, manage team performance, and oversee hiring and training in alignment with institutional guidelines. Collaborate with Finance and Admission offices to establish endowed funds and coordinate the student stewardship program.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- 5-7 years of experience in advancement, donor relations or equivalent combination of education and related experience
- A proven track record as a successful manager of teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite and fundraising CRMs (Raiser's Edge/Almabase/Blackbaud)
- Ability to manage, and sensitivity to, highly confidential information
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required in support of Advancement
Desired Qualifications
- An open and collaborative leadership style
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community
- Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and manage competing priorities
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships
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