Stewardship and Recognition Manager

South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation•Brookings, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stewardship and Recognition Manager provides strategic and creative support for the organization’s fundraising success through the development and execution of donor stewardship and recognition operations. This role executes the coordination, writing, and design of communications and processes related to donor acknowledgement, recognition, and impact reporting while ensuring consistent, effective, and thoughtful stewardship for all touchpoints. This is a service-oriented role that collaborates with internal team members and university partners to support positive and meaningful donor engagement.

Requirements

At least three years of professional experience in a related field (such as communications, marketing, administrative support, customer service, or graphic design) is recommended.
Highly effective writing skills for multiple audiences and channels.
A high level of interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, to handle sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
Customer service skills requiring clear communication in person, on the phone, and in writing are essential.
A high level of integrity, including ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
Ability to be organized and resourceful to locate and compile information and accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
Consistent attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment with professional demeanor, self-reliance, and resourcefulness.
Dependability and punctuality.
High energy, positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
Proficient experience using the most recent versions of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the organizational correspondence process for all gifts received, including acknowledgements and presidential thank you letters on behalf of university leadership.
Draft, design, and manage donor stewardship and recognition communications including letters, emails, postcards, and other donor-facing materials.
Manage the annual organizational stewardship and recognition calendar, including annual giving reports, endowed faculty annual summaries, and all giving society communications while collaborating with internal team members in the creation and execution.
Develop and execute impact reports, donor giving summaries, and stewardship materials that communicate the impact of philanthropy and support donor engagement and stewardship efforts.
Manage annual impact summaries, storytelling content, and stewardship reporting for principal and endowed faculty gifts in collaboration with internal team members and university partners.
Manage regular communications and recognition materials for members of the organization’s giving societies and donor recognition programs, including Loyal Blue, Sylvan Circle, and Lifetime Giving Societies.
Draft and edit donor biographies, recognition narratives, and related content for key stewardship events and initiatives including University Leadership Honors, Celebration of Philanthropy, donor signage, and other recognition opportunities.
Track donor recognition signage and related content, including interior and exterior signs, donor walls, naming displays, and other recognition vehicles, while proactively prompting reviews and updates utilizing the organization’s CRM system.
Evaluate and monitor the qualifications of donor recognition through our giving societies.
Other duties may be assigned to meet the organization’s needs.