Job no:
521320
Work type:
On Campus
Location:
Normal, Illinois
Title:
Director of Donor Stewardship
Division Name:
University Advancement
Department:
Development-Fundraising
Campus Location:
Normal, IL
Job Summary Effective donor stewardship is an essential element of successful fundraising. As a vital component of the fundraising team, the Director of Donor Stewardship is responsible for providing university-wide leadership for donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement activities that support fundraising priorities across annual, major, and principal gift programs. The position exercises independent professional judgment in the development, coordination, and execution of donor engagement strategies and serves as a strategic partner and advisor to fundraising staff and campus leadership in the retention and growth of donors in order to maximize fundraising success.
The role ensures donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with institutional priorities, campaign strategy, and donor intent throughout the fundraising lifecycle.
Additional Information The Development-Fundraising Unit is responsible for securing and stewarding private philanthropic support that advances the University’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial sustainability. As a results-driven partner to university leadership, Development-Fundraising builds and manages relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and friends, translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that drive measurable outcomes, sustained fundraising growth, and enduring confidence.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate $70,000 - $82,000
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Three (3) years of experience in philanthropy, advancement, stewardship, or a related professional field.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines.
4. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in a professional setting.
5. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Experience using data or systems to support decision-making or process improvement.
7. Experience managing personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Experience working in higher education or a comparably complex organization.
2. Knowledge of endowment fund administration and private donor scholarship processes.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior university leadership, foundation board members, and major or principal-level donors.
Work Hours 8am – 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and/or weekends.
Functional Expectations
1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods of time.
3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
4. Use standard office equipment and technology to perform essential job functions.
5. Occasionally work evenings and weekends as required to activities, events, and priorities.
Proposed Starting Date March 2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Please Note : These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants University Benefit Highlights:
Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Contact Information for Applicants Jillian Nelson, 309-438-2592, jyoun11@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .
Application Opened:
02/09/2026 09:00 AM CST
Application Closes:
Open Until Filled
#J-18808-Ljbffr
521320
Work type:
On Campus
Location:
Normal, Illinois
Title:
Director of Donor Stewardship
Division Name:
University Advancement
Department:
Development-Fundraising
Campus Location:
Normal, IL
Job Summary Effective donor stewardship is an essential element of successful fundraising. As a vital component of the fundraising team, the Director of Donor Stewardship is responsible for providing university-wide leadership for donor stewardship, recognition, and engagement activities that support fundraising priorities across annual, major, and principal gift programs. The position exercises independent professional judgment in the development, coordination, and execution of donor engagement strategies and serves as a strategic partner and advisor to fundraising staff and campus leadership in the retention and growth of donors in order to maximize fundraising success.
The role ensures donor engagement and stewardship activities are aligned with institutional priorities, campaign strategy, and donor intent throughout the fundraising lifecycle.
Additional Information The Development-Fundraising Unit is responsible for securing and stewarding private philanthropic support that advances the University’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term financial sustainability. As a results-driven partner to university leadership, Development-Fundraising builds and manages relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and friends, translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities that drive measurable outcomes, sustained fundraising growth, and enduring confidence.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate $70,000 - $82,000
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Three (3) years of experience in philanthropy, advancement, stewardship, or a related professional field.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines.
4. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in a professional setting.
5. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Experience using data or systems to support decision-making or process improvement.
7. Experience managing personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Experience working in higher education or a comparably complex organization.
2. Knowledge of endowment fund administration and private donor scholarship processes.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior university leadership, foundation board members, and major or principal-level donors.
Work Hours 8am – 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and/or weekends.
Functional Expectations
1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods of time.
3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
4. Use standard office equipment and technology to perform essential job functions.
5. Occasionally work evenings and weekends as required to activities, events, and priorities.
Proposed Starting Date March 2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Please Note : These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants University Benefit Highlights:
Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Contact Information for Applicants Jillian Nelson, 309-438-2592, jyoun11@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383 . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 .
Application Opened:
02/09/2026 09:00 AM CST
Application Closes:
Open Until Filled
#J-18808-Ljbffr