Development Manager - Donor Engagement

As the Development Manager - Donor Engagement, you will lead the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of DAR stewardship initiatives aimed at cultivating relationships with donors of Maryville University. Partnering with DAR staff along with University Events and the President’s Office, you will oversee the coordination and execution of donor engagement strategies.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:
• Develop and executive data driven strategies for donor cultivation strategies through personalized communications, gratitude events and stewardship activities to strengthen donor loyalty and increase donor retention.
• Collaborate with the Development team to identify and prioritize major donors, prospects, and sponsorship opportunities for events, including donor profiles for the President’s Office.
• Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of donor contributions, recognition, and reporting on the impact of gifts.

Donor Event Strategy and Execution:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy that supports fundraising goals, enhances donor relationships, and promotes the mission of the University.
• Draft comprehensive event plans detailing event goals/objectives, audience, program, theme, budget, measures of success, and connection to broader donor engagement strategy.
Plan and oversee DAR fundraising events, donor receptions, stewardship events, and off-site networking and cultivation gatherings, including annual stewardship events: Scholarship Dinner and Maryville Forward Celebration.
• Develop event program in alignment with stated goals and coordinate invitations, guest lists, and event promotion, ensuring successful execution and maximizing donor participation and engagement.
• Liaise with internal and external event planning teams to execute event logistics providing oversight and ensuring delivery of outstanding guest experiences.

Strategic Planning and Goal Setting:
• Contribute to the development of annual fundraising goals, strategies, and plans, with a focus on integrating events and donor engagement initiatives to achieve organizational objectives.
• Establish key performance metrics related to events and donor engagement activities, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Identify new and innovative approaches to engage various audiences.

Budget Management and Reporting:
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring events are cost-effective and contribute to fundraising goals.
• Prepare post-event evaluations, analyze outcomes, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement and future event planning.

Minimum Qualifications
• Seven to ten years experience in nonprofit fundraising, event planning, donor relations, or related roles, with a successful track record of executing large-scale fundraising events.
• Strong leadership skills with experience working with diverse teams and cross-functional departments, teams, volunteers, and vendors to achieve fundraising and event goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage with donors, board members, volunteers, and staff effectively.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working with donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, trends in philanthropy, and compliance requirements.
• Passion for the mission and goals of Maryville University.

Required Formal Education
Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening.

Applicants requiring University sponsorship to obtain employment authorization will not be considered for this position.

Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.

Apply here: https://careers.maryville.edu/en-us/job/492980/development-manager-donor-engagement