Associate Director, Stewardship

ArtCenter College of Design•Pasadena, CA

2d•$80,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Stewardship to join our team. Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Reporting to the director of Annual Giving, Stewardship and Development Communications, the associate director, Stewardship will lead and manage the donor relations program aimed at cultivating and retaining existing donors across giving levels with a focus on annual, major and planned gifts The incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing a donor stewardship strategy that builds trust by ensuring proper use of funds, delivering meaningful recognition and appreciation, and strengthening fundraising efforts through compelling communications that connect donors to the impact of their philanthropy. The incumbent will work with colleagues across Advancement and the college to ensure gift stewardship that, fosters a positive culture of philanthropy that aligns with the College’s commitment to excellence in art and design education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or any equivalent combination of training and experience
At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in stewardship, fundraising, or non-profit administration
Exceptional data interpretation and writing skills with the ability to craft and convey compelling donor communications, from meaningful acknowledgement letters to accurate and professional level activity reports
Thorough knowledge of advancement and all aspects of donor relations with deep understanding of stewardship concepts and best practices
Demonstrable success managing and streamlining the scholarship reporting process
Knowledge of legal framework and best practices of creating gift agreements
Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced experience with databases
Collaborative expertise with excellent interpersonal, problem solving, critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills to work effectively within the institution
Ability to maintain good working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders related to the ongoing operations of the division, including, donors, outside partners, executive leadership, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni
Ability to work effectively both independently and within groups
Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines
Ability to handle all information with tact and discretion and recognize the confidential nature of ArtCenter business
Demonstrated experience in cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment into workplace practices within ArtCenter’s diverse communities of faculty, staff, students and visitors
Ability to enforce, follow, and implement policies and procedures
Ability to work a flexible schedule for events scheduled on evenings and weekends as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Colleague and Blackbaud Awards Management
Thorough knowledge of financial aid and scholarship program policies and best practices

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy, with donor reporting as a central driver of engagement
Oversee the fund creation and reporting cycle, including the creation of gift agreements, fund summaries, donor reports (broad and custom; endowed and current use), ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with donor intent
Ensure consistency and quality across all donor-facing stewardship materials, including reports, recognition, and impact communications
Oversee the College’s donor recognition program, including strategy, standards, and execution of recognition efforts such as donor walls and related installations
Manage donor naming opportunities across campus, including tracking, documentation, coordination, and alignment with institutional policies and donor intent
Ensure accuracy, consistency, and appropriate stewardship of all named spaces and recognition elements in partnership with campus stakeholders
Assist gift officers with ideation and implementation of short and long-term stewardship and engagement plans for select donors
Ensure stewardship strategy is aligned with broader fundraising efforts and institutional priorities
Identify, write and elevate compelling student and program stories that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy for use in fundraising, and marketing and communication efforts
Identify and oversee student–donor engagement opportunities, ensuring experiences are meaningful, appropriate, and aligned with institutional standards
Partner with Advancement colleagues to identify and assist with the coordination of donor relations and fundraising events and activities, virtual and in person
Devise creative ways to educate students about their scholarships and the important role they have to play in stewardship efforts, as well as building a tradition of philanthropy
Provide guidance and subject matter expertise on donor relations best practices
Manage competing priorities and workflows to ensure timely delivery of high-quality stewardship output
Partner in the development, review and execution of gift agreements to ensure clarity, feasibility, and alignment with institutional priorities
Oversee systems, processes and documentation that ensure donor funds are administered in accordance with donor intent, legal requirements, and College policy
Collaborate with Financial Aid, Accounting, and Advancement Services to monitor fund activity, ensure accurate and timely reporting and to maintain and evolve templates, documentation, and policies related to donor and institutionally created restricted funds
Refresh annually and oversee the surveying, collecting, editing and formatting of student and program beneficiary information, ensuring content quality is maximized
Monitor and periodically audit donor funds and recommend updates, amendments and improvements as needed
Partner with Advancement Services and gift officers to create and manage system of tracking donor reporting and donor recognition actions in College CRM Raisers Edge.
Foster a collaborative relationship with the financial aid and enrollment management offices to ensure free- flowing exchange of information and between the departments, ensuring alignment on goals, strategies, policies and procedures
Identify and implement process improvements and tools that enhance efficiency, scalability, and impact
Exercise utmost discretion, good judgment and adhere to FERPA in collecting, analyzing and sharing student information and financial award disbursement
Maintain memberships and active involvement in applicable professional organizations
Serve on educational or college-wide committees, work groups, task forces and/or councils
Enforce and follow all College policies including safety protocols
Other duties as assigned