Donor Relations Coordinator

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

1d

About The Position

Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Donor Relations Coordinator. The position reports to Assistant Vice President for Development, works closely with the Development Team (Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director, Director of Development, Director of Advancement Services, Director of Finance, Annual Giving Coordinator, and Accounting Coordinator). The Donor Relations Coordinator is responsible for the WCU Foundation’s stewardship and scholarship management efforts, developing and implementing strategies that engage donors and strengthen long-term relationships. Core responsibilities include annual stewardship planning, donor recognition initiatives, and the creation of electronic and printed stewardship communications that demonstrate impact and gratitude. A central focus of this role is the administration of the WCU Foundation’s scholarship program. The Coordinator partners closely with the WCU Financial Aid Office and scholarship committees to ensure effective scholarship processes and leads the optimization and day-to-day management of Blackbaud Award Management. As a supporting member of the Advancement team, the Coordinator manages a small portfolio of annual scholarship donors, ensuring appropriate solicitation, thoughtful stewardship, and annual renewal. In addition, this position supports the fund establishment process and ensures accuracy, consistency, and compliance in gift documentation and donor acknowledgment practices for the WCU Foundation.

Requirements

• Three year of demonstrated experience in customer service, donor relations, or a related administrative or support role.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage complex processes with accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and in person.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and advance important projects in a timely and organized manner.
• Proficiency with standard office software and comfort learning and using database systems.

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with Blackbaud products, including Raiser’s Edge and the Award Management and Stewardship platforms.
• Knowledge and experience in scholarship management and donor stewardship.
• Familiarity with higher education or nonprofit fundraising environments.

Responsibilities

• Annual stewardship planning
• Donor recognition initiatives
• Creation of electronic and printed stewardship communications
• Administration of the WCU Foundation’s scholarship program
• Partnership with the WCU Financial Aid Office and scholarship committees
• Optimization and day-to-day management of Blackbaud Award Management
• Manages a small portfolio of annual scholarship donors
• Supports the fund establishment process
• Ensures accuracy, consistency, and compliance in gift documentation and donor acknowledgment practices for the WCU Foundation.

Benefits

• Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
• After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level