Donor Relations Program Manager

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Donor Relations Program Manager (Prog Mgr I) position within the department of University Advancement.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition Remission for employees, spouses, and dependents
• Generous Retirement Contributions to support your future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Fully Paid Insurance: disability, life, and AD&D
• Paid Parental Leave to support growing families

Salary Range: $53,000 to $66,000

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations, the Manager of Donor Relations manages key stewardship initiatives for University Advancement, including donor acknowledgment programs, stewardship communications, donor recognition initiatives and stewardship engagement activities.

The position drafts and coordinates a variety of written donor communications and uses data and stewardship metrics to improve donor engagement and program effectiveness.

The position collaborates closely with development officers, Advancement Communications, events staff and other campus partners to deliver thoughtful stewardship experiences that strengthen donor relationships and support campaign success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Donor Stewardship & Acknowledgment Programs

• Manage and execute the university’s donor acknowledgment program, ensuring timely, accurate and meaningful recognition of philanthropic gifts. Responsibilities include thank-you letters, tax receipts, year-end giving summaries and related stewardship communications.
• Segment stewardship and acknowledgment strategies by donor constituency and giving level (e.g., alumni, employees, board members, annual donors and major donors) to ensure appropriate recognition and engagement.
• Manage stewardship communications associated with giving societies and key fundraising initiatives and milestones, including Tommie Give Day and fiscal year-end giving.
• Manage memorial and honor gift notifications and related stewardship communications.
• Partner with Advancement Communications to ensure stewardship messaging aligns with institutional priorities and campaign initiatives.

Impact Reporting & Stewardship Communications

• Assist in preparation and production of the university’s philanthropy impact report in collaboration with Advancement Communications and senior leadership.
• Assist with preparation of scholarship recipient thank-you letters, endowment report, gift instruments and related stewardship communications, as needed.

Stewardship Operations, Data & Program Management

• Track stewardship activities and donor relations interactions in Salesforce and ensure accurate documentation of donor engagement operations.
• Manage inventory of donor recognition items and stewardship materials.
• Track project budgets and forecast spending for assigned stewardship initiatives.
• Supervise student interns supporting donor relations programs.
• Serve as a resource to gift officers regarding donor relations programming, processes and best practices.

Donor Recognition & Stewardship Experiences

• Support donor recognition initiatives to ensure consistent and meaningful recognition of philanthropic support.
• Support execution of key donor stewardship events including the President's Society and Legacy Giving Christmas Concert and Scholarship Spotlight Luncheon.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of professional experience in advancement, donor relations, communications, program administration or a related field
• Experience building collaborative relationships and delivering strong customer service is essential

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with project management, donor stewardship programs, marketing, communications, customer relations or public relations
• Candidates should demonstrate strong writing and communication skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working with databases or CRM systems and creating reports or presentations using tools such as PowerPoint

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.