Assistant Director of Donor Relations

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [email protected] . Position Summary Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations, the Assistant Director of Donor Relations is responsible for fund data management for Donor Relations in support of Advancement. This role also manages the memorial and bench plaque program and supports the promotion and reporting of lectures and prize funds. The Assistant Director assists with the Student Ambassador Program by supporting programming, producing materials, and coordinating candidate review and the interview process. This role also handles the reporting of financial data to donors and supports Advancement gift officers, particularly in relation to scholarship funds. The Assistant Director of Donor Relations will also be responsible for the project management of the Time Out Grant.

Requirements

A minimum of two years of professional experience, preferably in higher education.
Solid research and project management skills.
Knowledge of CRM fund data management, including the ability to oversee data governance, ensure accuracy and timeliness of records, manage stewardship request workflows, and align fund information with Donor Relations policies, reporting needs, and best practices.
Proficiency with a variety of technology platforms, including experience working with Google Workspace; customer relationship management (CRM) systems; project management tools; and the ability to manage workflows effectively.
Creative, adaptable problem solver and quick learner.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-driven environment, communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and handle sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion.
Good writing and editing skills, with the ability to bring together research and adjust tone and content for different donor audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead the management of fund data within the CRM to ensure timely and accurate information is maintained within the system as related to Donor Relations work, including the stewardship request form process.
Manage the memorial tree and bench plaque program, overseeing all phases from donor consultation and site selection through plaque production and installation.
Coordinate interior building plaques, working with vendors on design, production, and installation, and ensuring compliance with College policies and standards.
Monitor the proper reporting of financial data, scholarship assignments, faculty appointments, prize and internship awards, and related outcomes in support of comprehensive and compliant donor reporting.
Support the Student Ambassador Program, including selection, onboarding, and training.
Support the development and execution of the annual photo shoot, video shoot, student acknowledgment letter, and ambassador-driven engagement programming.
Support research for the reporting of funds to include data gathering and fund research across campus partners.
Manage scholarship notification communications to students and facilitate the connections between donors and scholarship recipients, and staff and scholarship recipients.
Project manage the bi-annual Time Out Grant program process.
Monitor emerging trends and best practices in donor relations to strengthen processes, enhance engagement, and improve efficiency through effective use of technology.
Utilize donor management systems to track stewardship activities, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.