Donor Relations Associate/Major Gifts

University of Northwestern - St. Paul•Minnesota, MN

4d•$60,000 - $66,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Donor Engagement Associate is responsible for creating meaningful engagement and stewardship experiences that strengthen relationships with major donors and deepen their connection to the mission and ministry of Northwestern Media. Through personalized events, donor communications, recognition efforts, and other engagement initiatives, this position helps cultivate exceptional donor experiences, meaningful mission impact, and long-term donor loyalty. The Donor Engagement Associate collaborates with leadership, staff, and organizational partners to support donor relationship strategies and advance major gifts objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum two (2) years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit work
Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community
Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
Donor Systems: Experience utilizing donor relationship management (CRM) systems to maintain accurate records, track engagement activities, and support fundraising initiatives.
Fundraising & Stewardship: Understanding of donor stewardship, donor engagement, fundraising practices, and event-based relationship-building strategies.
Financial Management: Detail-oriented with the ability to manage budgets, monitor expenses, and prepare reports to support departmental planning and decision-making.
Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed to support donor engagement activities.
Driver’s License: Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement meaningful donor engagement and stewardship initiatives that strengthen relationships, deepen connection to the organization's mission, and foster long-term donor loyalty.
Plan, coordinate, and execute personalized donor experiences and relationship-focused events that provide exceptional hospitality, meaningful mission impact, and opportunities for deeper donor engagement.
Partner with fundraising staff and organizational leaders to support donor relationship strategies by coordinating engagement opportunities, stewardship activities, and follow-up communications.
Develop and coordinate donor-focused communications, including event invitations, stewardship materials, recognition efforts, and post-engagement follow-up that support relationship-building objectives.
Collaborate with internal teams, leadership, and external partners to ensure donor engagement activities are aligned with organizational priorities and delivered with excellence.
Maintain accurate donor engagement records, track participation and stewardship activities, evaluate results, and provide reporting and insights to support donor relationship strategies.
Manage engagement-related project plans, timelines, budgets, and logistics to ensure successful execution of donor stewardship and engagement initiatives.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.