Director of Donor Relations

DePauw University • Greencastle, IN

9d

About The Position

DePauw University seeks an experienced, relationship focused and strategic Director of Donor Relations to lead the design and execution of a comprehensive stewardship program that deepens engagement, celebrates philanthropy, and strengthens the culture of giving among alumni, parents, and friends of the University. This is a highly outward-facing role requiring regular interaction with donors through personal meetings, phone calls, and correspondence. The Director will actively build and sustain relationships with key supporters, ensuring that donors feel meaningfully connected to the life of the University and understand the tangible results of their generosity. The Director will oversee donor acknowledgment, recognition, and impact reporting efforts—ensuring that every donor, from first-time contributors to transformational benefactors, experiences the full gratitude and transparency that reflect DePauw’s values and mission. This position plays a key leadership role within the Development and Alumni Engagement team, collaborating closely with University Communications, Annual Giving, Major and Planned Giving, and University leadership to advance DePauw’s philanthropic priorities, including the Bold, Gold and You! campaign.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, development communications, or related field, preferably in higher education.
• Strong: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Google applications, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to cultivate relationships with donors through in-person meetings, calls, and personalized communication.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, budgets, and personnel.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities with a high level of attention to detail.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the liberal arts mission of DePauw University.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Workday a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, relationship focused donor relations strategy that enhances donor retention, satisfaction, and long-term engagement.
• Conduct regular donor outreach—including meetings, phone calls, and personalized communications—to convey appreciation, share impact updates, and strengthen relationships.
• Oversee the timely and personalized acknowledgment of all gifts to the University, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with DePauw’s voice and values.
• Oversee impact reporting which includes production of donor impact reports, stewardship publications, and annual reports that demonstrate the measurable difference philanthropy makes on campus.
• Implements strategy focused on ensuring donor understanding of philanthropic impact through direct communication, curated opportunities for engagement and recognition.
• Develop and manage recognition programs for lifetime, annual, and campaign giving societies.
• Partner with the Development team to design and implement customized stewardship plans for principal and major donors, including direct engagement with high-level supporters.
• Ensure a low pledge default rate by overseeing a retention strategy to deepen connections between donors and the university while maintaining a timely and informative pledge reminder program.
• Serve as a key strategist for donor engagement and recognition during the Bold, Gold and You! campaign and related initiatives.
• Communicate directly with donors regarding campaign milestones, matching opportunities, and impact updates to reinforce transparency and inspire continued support.
• Coordinate special communications and events that celebrate philanthropic milestones, endowed gifts, and other campaign successes.
• Collaborate with University leadership and Advancement teams to ensure cohesive, mission-aligned messaging across all donor communications.
• Partners with events staff for the planning and execution of donor recognition events, including dedications, scholarship luncheons, and leadership donor gatherings.
• Act as an on-site host and University representative at donor events, engaging directly with donors and ensuring an exceptional and meaningful experience.
• Collaborate with University Communications and Events teams to ensure brand consistency and high-quality interactions across all stewardship touchpoints.
• Supervise and mentor donor relations staff and student assistants, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and accountability.
• Partner with colleagues across campus—academic departments, financial aid, and student life—to collect impact stories and demonstrate the difference philanthropy makes at DePauw.
• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of donor relations programs and report progress regularly to Advancement leadership.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and goals of the Development and Alumni Engagement team, serving as an active, visible, and collaborative member of the advancement community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental and vision insurance
• Basic Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long Term Disability are paid for by DePauw University.
• Full time employees may elect to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for themselves and their dependents.
• Tuition Remission and Exchange , as well as Relocation Allowance are also employee benefits.
• retirement savings plan
• employee discounts and access to University resources
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time (hourly) and Sick Time policies
• Cigna Employee Assistance benefit
• Welch Fitness Center and wellness classes
• Indoor Tennis and Track Center
• University Libraries
• Peeler art galleries
• Green Center for the Performing Arts events and programs
• Ubben lecture series
• Free athletic events
• Bookstore and Starbucks (Greencastle) discounts
• Employee discounted meal plan
• Free parking
• Nature park, including walking and biking trails
• Personal duplicating and printing discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees