Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement utilizes resources, technology, and business for the purpose of constituent engagement, donor research and solicitation, and stewardship throughout Emory University and Health Systems. Our mission is to inspire and steward meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving to fulfill Emory’s mission to serve humanity. We are currently seeking a Senior Director of Donor Relations.

 

The Advancement Strategy and Services teams provide operational services, strategic strategies, and stewardship for the department of Principal and Transformational Philanthropy. This position will report to the Executive Director of Advancement Strategy – Principal and Transformational Philanthropy.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads, develops and implements strategies and programs designed to enhance and strengthen Emory's relationship with donors and significant donor prospects.
• Programs may include donor acknowledgment, stewardship reporting, donor recognition, donor engagement, or events.
• Leads Donor Relations team and sets goals and strategies for responsible programs, and oversees the evaluation of outcomes and effectiveness.
• Acts as strategic partner to Emory's schools and units to design and implement projects for priority donors and programs.
• Represents the program with various constituencies, meetings, and events.
• Determines data needs for programs including data collection, data management, analysis and high level reporting for projects, as well as how data should be collected, routed, analyzed, and reported in CRM system.
• Leads annual/strategic planning for the department.
• Oversees the implementation of strategies based on data-driven decision making.
• Utilizes best practices to inform the development of an overall donor relations strategic plan.
• Develops strategy for and oversees creation of individualized stewardship plans for high-level donors as well as effective university-wide stewardship activities.
• Supervises staff.
• Performs related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS:  In addition to the duties outlined above, the Senior Director may be required to:

• Create elevated stewardship opportunities for principal level donors and prospects.
• Design, review, and validate stewardship data for donor funds and reports.
• Maintain knowledge/expertise of best practices and current trends for constituent giving and donor relations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree and seven years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, fundraising, or alumni engagement with supervisory, leadership or management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Successful candidates will possess extensive experience managing projects, programs, budgets, and financial reports, working with various technologies including advanced knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, database and project management software, and CRM systems.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving skills with attention to detail, the ability to work with ambiguity, navigate a complex work environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality with sound judgment and discretion.
• Experience leading teams, working independently as well as collaboratively to achieve goals, with a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as effective presentation skills.
• Experience with philanthropic fund management and reporting, including understanding of data and financial information.
• Prior experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, non-profit, or a university setting.
• Capacity to lead and develop a team’s skills through effective feedback and coaching, motivating and empowering colleagues while being institutionally minded, strategic, and impactful.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).


Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.