The Office of Donor Relations and Stewardship fosters lasting relationships between the university and its benefactors by reinforcing the impact of their contributions to the university. In coordination with the development and donor relations and stewardship teams, the Senior Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship is responsible for assuring that donor recognition and stewardship strategies are in place for all donors to the university, and as such has an integral role in the University of Maryland’s fundraising program. This professional designs, implements, and coordinates a comprehensive stewardship and donor engagement program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of donors at all levels. The position provides the conceptual framework and structure from which donor relations and stewardship operates, including universal guidelines for recognizing and celebrating giving at all levels. In addition, the position must cultivate and sustain positive and mutually rewarding relations between the university and its donors; proactively partner with and be an expert advisor to the development staff and senior leadership to determine best strategies for effective donor stewardship and recognition. The position supports strategies and tactics aimed at increasing volunteer stewardship and recognition.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Relations, the senior director provides leadership, administrative oversight and strategic direction to the Donor Relations and Stewardship team. The incumbent is responsible for enhancing current practices as well as developing sustainable, sophisticated, comprehensive and coordinated donor recognition, engagement and stewardship activities for prospects and donors, and specially-developed communications via print and the web. The Senior Director is responsible for building relationships across units including all of the schools and colleges, the University Office of Student Financial Aid and other entities around campus. Some travel may be necessary.

The Senior Director will be expected to uphold and exemplify the operating practices and mission of the University of Maryland, College Park.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience:
A minimum of eight years’ progressively responsible experience working in a complex fundraising program, preferably in higher education. Proven leadership, management and supervisory experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Ability to establish positive, productive working relationships with donors, prospects and volunteers, senior leadership and development staff, deans and other stewardship colleagues
- Familiarity with developing and formalizing processes and procedures
- Ability to travel and work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as necessary
- Strong customer service ethic and skill set
- Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse group of external and internal constituents
- A self-starter, comfortable working independently and with teams
- Proven ability to think strategically about donor engagement, recognition and stewardship activities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational, planning and management skills; attentiveness to detail
- Strong understanding of the role of stewardship and donor relations in the fundraising cycle
- Ability to manage multiple tasks
- Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed and for special university events
- Some travel may be necessary