Company Description:
When Bay Path opened its doors to students in 1897, it had a very clear goal: to provide a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to prepare students to not only meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities but to also thrive in their professions, identify and realize their dreams, and make a lasting difference in the world. From the beginning, Bay Path prided itself on being entrepreneurial, constantly pushing the boundaries of the academic experience to fit the student...to start them on the road of success. That spirit and philosophy is best reflected in our shared vision, "At Bay Path, every learner's dreams of a better career, a richer life, and a brighter future will be realized."
Bay Path University, an independent and not-for-profit institution, was named Among Fastest Growing Baccalaureate Colleges and Graduate Programs by The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac, and is a member of the Women's College Coalition. With a main campus in Longmeadow, MA, and a satellite location in East Longmeadow, MA, Bay Path offers undergraduate, graduate (for women and men) degrees, and professional certificates.
For 125 years, we have been committed to preparing our students to navigate a constantly changing world. Whether it is one of our innovative academic programs, groundbreaking online learning platform, or We Empower Learners and Leaders initiative, we educate our students in ways that will help them to grow, learn to adapt, and always to flourish. Be part of the change. Be Bay Path.
We invite you to visit our website at www.baypath.edu where you can learn more about Bay Path University.
Job Description:
Supervisor: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Status: Full-Time
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, occasional nights and weekends
Job Location: Hybrid/Longmeadow Campus
Exempt (Yes/No): Yes
JOB SUMMARY:
The Associate Director for Donor Relations plays a vital role in fostering lasting relationships between the university and its donors by delivering meaningful engagement, recognition, and stewardship programs. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this position develops and manages creative, personalized donor experiences and communications that demonstrate impact and appreciation, with a special focus on major and principal gift donors. The Associate Director will serve as an integral member of the Advancement team, collaborating closely with development officers, college leadership, and university partners to advance philanthropic support.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Donor Stewardship (85%)
- Design and execute customized stewardship plans for major, principal, and planned gift donors.
- Lead the production of high-quality impact reports, acknowledgment letters, and personalized updates to convey the significance of donors' contributions.
- Collaborate with financial and academic partners to track the use of endowed, restricted funds and current use/spendable funds and ensure proper reporting.
- Oversee recognition of donors through events, awards, and other engagement opportunities both in person and virtual (stewardship receptions, scholarship recipient events, giving society events, etc.).
- Develop communication plans to keep donors informed and engaged between events and activities.
- Serve as a liaison with Marketing and Communications to develop donor-centric materials in print and digital formats.
- Identify opportunities to connect donors and volunteers with students, faculty, and university leadership.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Collaboration (5%)
- Participate in strategic discussions regarding donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Support broader Advancement team initiatives and campaign activities.
Administrative Support and Data Management (5%)
- Maintain accurate records of engagement activities, volunteer participation, and event attendance using the university's CRM.
- Assist with communications such as newsletters, event promotions, and stewardship touchpoints.
- Prepare reports and presentations to track engagement efforts and assess program impact.
Other Duties (5%)
- Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned to meet departmental and university goals.
- Attend trainings as required.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, fundraising, alumni relations, or a related field.
- Demonstrated understanding of philanthropy and best practices in donor engagement, particularly in higher education or non-profit settings.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a high attention to detail.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- High-level experience in print and digital design, with a proven ability to create visually compelling impact reports, stewardship materials, and event collateral using platforms such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, or similar design tools.
- Experience with donor database systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and social media platforms.
- Knowledge of stewardship for major capital campaigns.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative and strong problem-solving skills.
- Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as required for events and meetings.
- Valid U.S. driver's license.
- Must successfully pass the online safe Driving Course (within 15 days of hire) and driving record check at time of hire and annually thereafter.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members of the University community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators
- Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
- All new employees must complete the FERPA, Anti-Harassment, and any other required online trainings within 15 days of employment.
- General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role this position plays in achieving those goals.
Additional Information:
Bay Path University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Application Instructions:
All qualified applicants for this position should attach a cover letter, resume / curriculum vitae, and any other relevant information pertaining to this position and your candidacy. Please apply online. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.
Bay Path University is a smoke and tobacco-free community.
All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory background check.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position please email us at HR@baypath.edu or call 413-565-1157.
