ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DONOR RELATIONS AND STEWARDSHIP

Ithaca College•Town of Ithaca, NY

18h•$68,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of stewardship and donor engagement programs that strengthen relationships between Ithaca College and its philanthropic supporters. Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations, this role partners with Advancement leadership, frontline fundraisers, and campus stakeholders to design and execute stewardship strategies that recognize donor generosity, promote continued engagement, and support the College’s fundraising priorities. The Associate Director oversees key stewardship programs, including donor recognition initiatives, giving society engagement, and stewardship reporting, while ensuring the systems and processes supporting donor engagement are effective, scalable, and aligned with best practices in advancement. This position plays a critical role in shaping the infrastructure that supports donor stewardship across the Division of Advancement, utilizing CRM systems, reporting tools, and data insights to enhance donor experiences and strengthen institutional stewardship practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in advancement, donor relations, nonprofit development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and coordinating initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
Experience working with advancement CRM systems and donor databases, with the ability to analyze and interpret donor engagement data.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare donor communications and collaborate effectively with institutional leadership.
Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the institution to support donor engagement and stewardship initiatives.
Commitment to contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful campus community.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship strategy that recognizes and engages donors at all levels and supports the College’s fundraising and relationship-building goals.
Partner with the Director of Donor Relations and Advancement leadership to identify opportunities to enhance donor recognition, stewardship reporting, and engagement initiatives.
Evaluate the effectiveness of stewardship programs and initiatives using data and donor engagement metrics to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making.
Provide strategic oversight of giving society programs including Blue & Gold, Athletics Giving Societies, and Friends of Ithaca College, ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities and effective communication with members.
Develop and manage donor acknowledgment strategies that ensure timely, personalized recognition of philanthropic support across the institution.
Collaborate with campus leadership, faculty, and staff to facilitate donor recognition opportunities that strengthen connections between donors and the impact of their philanthropy.
Lead stewardship tracking and reporting within the advancement CRM system, ensuring accurate documentation of donor engagement and recognition activities.
Develop systems and processes that improve stewardship reporting, donor tracking, and internal collaboration across Advancement.
Utilize CRM and reporting tools to analyze donor engagement data, identify trends, and support informed decision-making within the Division of Advancement.
Partner with Advancement colleagues and campus partners to support donor engagement initiatives including stewardship events, donor visits, and institutional recognition opportunities.
Provide strategic support for high-level stewardship initiatives involving College leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Collaborate with advancement colleagues to ensure donor stewardship activities align with fundraising priorities and institutional messaging.
Assist in the development and management of operational budgets related to donor relations and stewardship initiatives.
Monitor expenditures related to stewardship programs, subscriptions, and vendor partnerships.
Serve as a liaison with external vendors supporting donor relations initiatives and ensure effective coordination of contracted services.
Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in donor relations, stewardship, and advancement operations.
Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and peer networks to enhance stewardship programs and bring innovative approaches to donor engagement at Ithaca College.