The Office of Advancement celebrates the generosity of donors to Bradley University through recognition, appreciation, and communication to inspire and cultivate relationships that encourage future philanthropy. The Donor Relations operation functions among Development and Alumni Relations at Bradley University. The Associate Director of Donor Relations will proactively, and in close collaboration with the Director of Donor Relations, develop and manage a comprehensive and individualized stewardship program for donors, including customized reports, broad-based communications, opportunistic stewardship touchpoints, special recognition events, publications, and other creative activities that acknowledge donors and demonstrate the impact of their gifts.Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage gift account giving, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting to demonstrate the impact of donor gifts.
- Collaborate across the department to plan and execute donor-focused events that strengthen relationships and steward donor contributions.
- Serve as stewardship liaison for internal and external donor, fund, and stewardship reporting related questions.
- Support annual stewardship reporting for endowed funds and assist in the design, production, distribution, and ongoing refinement of the reporting process.
- Work closely with the Director of Donor Relations on acknowledgments and recognition efforts enhance the overall Donor Relations strategy and align with fundraising priorities.
- Assist with providing support to ensure consistent stewardship, engagement, branding and messaging for annual and lifetime giving societies.
- Assist in the management of signature events including our annual Lydia Moss Bradley Gratitude Celebration and other donor-centered events throughout the year; Participate in and support other events sponsored by the Advancement Division.
- Share responsibility for managing the donor database by maintaining data integrity, reporting, and measuring outcomes of initiatives and programs.
- Engage in marketing and communications efforts related to the stewardship program; Collaborate with Strategic Communications staff and other campus partners on donor impact stories and reports.
- Support ad hoc stewardship requests, research and compile endowed fund information for special projects or requests from colleagues and other departments.
- Benchmark with peer institutions on donor relations best practices to stay informed and build relationships with colleagues across campus.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is required.
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience is required.
- Maintains confidentiality and has good judgment when managing sensitive information.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google, savvy with virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet), and experience with database data entry and reporting.
- Superior organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Bradley University to important constituencies are required.
- The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, professional team player with courteous interpersonal skills and an excellent customer service attitude.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities are essential.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience in developing and implementing donor-centered stewardship initiatives.
- A detailed working knowledge of Bradley University is preferred.
- The ability to assemble data is important. Proficient knowledge of databases; Experience with fundraising databases (e.g. Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT systems) is preferred.
- Previous experience within higher education, alumni relations, development or nonprofit environments.
- Knowledge of complex gifts (such as scholarships, endowments, etc.) and ability to translate complex information into a variety of communication channels.
Work ArrangementsThis position is based on campus in Peoria, Illinois, with the flexibility to work from home one day a week. This position will occasionally require evening and weekend work.Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone numbers. Please submit all materials at the time of initial application.Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students' opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program.Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.