Associate Director Donor Relations

Lehigh University

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University provides comprehensive benefits including partner benefits.

Responsible for planning and assisting with the execution of programs for key donor populations including recognition societies, first time donors, Lehigh Fund, etc. The Associate Director will build and manage relationships and systems that build a consistent donor experience. This position will write, edit and manage the creation of compelling collateral to steward donors of all giving levels. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

1.Plan and assist with execution of programs focused on donor recognition and engagement through recognition societies
*Develop strategies for new and existing recognition societies, including leadership annual giving, consecutive giving and unrestricted giving, in collaboration with respective staff in other areas of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) to ensure a comprehensive donor recognition program and consistent donor experience
*Create, review, edit and/or execute donor communications, reports and videos with support from the communications team
*Attend all appropriate stewardship and recognition events2. Plan and assist with execution of programs targeting first time, reacquired, consecutive giving and other key donor populations to increase retention
*Develop strategies for retention of key donor populations in collaboration with respective staff in other areas of DAR to ensure a comprehensive donor retention program and consistent donor experience
*Create, review, edit and/or execute donor communications, reports and videos with support from the communications team
*Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for future tactics3. Write, edit and manage the creation of compelling collateral to steward donors of all giving levels
*Research and develop compelling and creative narratives that communicate the impact of a donor's philanthropy for stewardship reports, recognition and other written and digital materials
*Develop and implement strategies utilizing the platform most appropriate for the donor and audience
*Ensure timely and appropriate impact reporting for initiatives, milestones and individual donors and/or funds as needed
*Work with other donor relations team members to develop opportunities to repackage content in other written and digital materials
*Conduct research and benchmarking to incorporate best practices and innovations in stewardship to offer new and creative materials for donors
*Edit and proof final donor relations materials, ensuring that the best editorial standards are met4. Utilize strong interpersonal skills to manage collaborator and client expectations
*Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external designers, photographers, printers and vendors for various stewardship projects
*Represent development and alumni relations with professionalism and provide superior service to internal partners and to external constituencies including donors and alumni
*Stay abreast of best practices in donor relations communications
*Contribute to a culture of high performance, excellence and qualityGrade: 9 - 40Position Number: S80590Special ConsiderationsThe duties of this position may allow for the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by the supervisorQualificationsBachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, Communications or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's Degree preferredThree to five years related work experienceAbility to complete projects on time and on budget, and report on status and outcomesExcellent communication skills and ability to build positive professional relationshipsSolid writing ability and attention to detailSolid computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software; design experience preferredStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position

All Lehigh faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the requirement.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

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