Executive Director of Donor Engagement

Baldwin Wallace University • Berea, OH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Baldwin Wallace University seeks a dynamic and relationship-focused Executive Director of Donor Engagement to lead the University's individual philanthropy and alumni engagement efforts. This senior leadership role oversees major gifts, planned giving, alumni engagement, volunteer programs, donor stewardship, and signature engagement events, and supervises four staff. The Executive Director leads a team of fundraising and engagement professionals while developing strategies that strengthen lifelong connections with alumni, parents, friends, and donors and increase philanthropic support for the University.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible fundraising or advancement leadership experience.
• Experience supervising a team.
• Demonstrated success securing major and leadership gifts.
• Experience supervising and developing fundraising professionals.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring, professional development, and team cohesion.
• Experience in Raiser’s Edge or a similar fundraising database platform.
• A natural ability to build trust and rapport quickly, with a sense of humor that helps connect with donors and colleagues alike.
• Deep understanding of donor engagement strategies, philanthropic trends, and moves management best practices.
• Ability to inspire confidence and motivate donors, alumni, volunteers, and internal partners through authenticity and enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute strategies for major, leadership, principal, and planned gifts.
• Manage and develop frontline fundraising professionals and engagement staff.
• Oversee alumni engagement, volunteer leadership programs, and donor stewardship initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership for Alumni Weekend, Homecoming, Bold & Gold, and other cultivation and stewardship events.
• Track fundraising performance, donor pipeline activity, and engagement outcomes.
• Collaborate with University leaders to advance institutional fundraising priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

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