Company Description:
In surveying the grounds of what is now Wittenberg University, the Rev. Ezra Keller, the college's first president and founder, remarked: "This is a lovely spot for a literary institution." Today, that lovely spot encompasses more than 100 acres of rolling hills and hollows in southwestern Ohio, with architecturally distinctive structures that embrace Wittenberg's past and provide a beautiful backdrop to the teaching excellence and Lutheran-affiliated learning environment that has defined Wittenberg University since its founding in 1845. Nationally recognized for accessible professors, engaging classroom experiences, service opportunities, and valued athletics traditions, Wittenberg is home to 1,200 students, 30 majors, 3 graduate programs, a wealth of pre-professional and cooperative programs, and 25 varsity sports.
Wittenberg University is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package that attracts and retains talent to further the university's mission and contributes to the personal and financial well-being of employees and their families. From healthcare to our tuition benefit to vacation and holidays, our goal is to help our employees enjoy happy and healthy lifestyles, while maintaining a good work-life balance. Click here to learn more about Wittenberg's employee benefits.
Job Description:
Wittenberg is seeking a Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations (DSDR). The DSDR serves as a key member of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, overseeing stewardship and donor relations activities with special attention given to top prospects and donors. The DSDR is responsible for planning, establishing, and managing donor recognition and stewardship activities and policies for the university's major supporters. This position is vital to the university's philanthropy and engagement program and serves a primary role in retaining and engaging existing and growing donor base. The DSDR provides executive assistance to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and President of the University related to engaging key donors and alumni. This is a full-time, exempt-level position reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
- With input from Philanthropy and Engagement colleagues and donors, develops and implements a comprehensive stewardship and donor relations strategic plan and program.
- Oversees comprehensive fund stewardship efforts, including: managing the stewardship of funds; scholarship and fund reports; coordinating gift agreements alongside fundraisers and in coordination with advancement services and the Business, Finance, and Financial Aid offices.
- Supports division leadership, president, and fundraisers in high-level activities related to philanthropy, marketing activities, sponsorships, donor reports, and stewardship events.
- Provides executive assistance to the Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement and the University's President for key donor and alumni engagement.
- Coordinates with Philanthropy team (gift officers, annual giving team) for reporting and prospect management for Giving Societies (e.g., Benjamin-Prince Society, Hawley Society, etc.)
- Coordinates with the Business, Finance, and Financial Aid offices for audit and other financial inquiries, including the setup of new funds and monthly/quarterly reconciliation reports.
- Ensures core stewardship values of trust, integrity, respect, and accountability are consistent parts of the identity of Wittenberg's Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, internally and externally.
- In collaboration with division leadership and other program directors, develops, plans, and executes donor stewardship events and other special projects, signature events, and related requests.
- Assists campus colleagues with the planning, development, and execution of special events, including presidential events, speakers' events, and Commencement, alongside the academic and student development offices.
- In collaboration with fundraisers and campus partners, assists with developing and managing individual stewardship and recognition plans for key donors.
- Serves as a point of contact for donors and report recipients of endowed and named funds, providing responses and follow-up information as appropriate.
- Manages the stewardship and recognition efforts for the David Hawley Associates Legacy Society, the legacy and planned giving society for Wittenberg.
- Identifies and interprets stories and data from campus programs that communicate donor impact, endowment usage, and/or the role that giving plays in Wittenberg's present and future success.
- Builds relationships to support strategic alumni and family engagement outcomes. Partners with alumni engagement staff for Homecoming, Reunion, and Family Weekend events.
- Manages documentation for all named spaces throughout campus; maintains an inventory of all recognition plaques and available spaces. Manages the creation, production, and installation of recognition plaques to recognize philanthropic contributions in accordance with the University's Donor Recognition and Naming Policy.
- Participates in prospect management and campaign strategy activities to ensure that best practices for stewardship processes are implemented for the University's donors.
- Demonstrates support for community and belonging, as well as participates in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree with 3-5 years' experience minimum OR associate's degree with 7-10 years' experience are required.
- Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint) and other software, databases and equipment as assigned.
- Ability to work with CRM such as Salesforce required.
- Familiarity with best practices in donor stewardship.
- Proven track record in management and administration activities.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion and as necessary.
- Ability to remain stationary for up to 50% of the workday.
- Ability to travel is essential. A valid driver's license is required; must meet required insurance qualifications found in Wittenberg Motor Pool policies and procedures. If license is from out of state, successful candidate will need to obtain a valid Ohio driver's license within 30 days of hire date.
Additional Information:
Wittenberg is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of our student body and society at-large. Please see our notice of nondiscrimination housed on our website.
The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.
Wittenberg University is committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in our campus community. Click here to view our Title IX policies.
Employment at Wittenberg University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Wittenberg University participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.
Application Instructions:
Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.
To apply, please set-up an account in our online recruiting system and upload the following documents in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat format.
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Name, relationship, and contact information for three professional references.
Applicants who require accommodation during any stage of the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (937) 327-7517 or email hure-mail@wittenberg.edu.
