Donor Relations Specialist
Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, United States
Salary Range:
$46,000 – $56,000 annually Final salary will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations. About the Role
Join the team shaping the future of Concordia College! Concordia College invites a
strategic, detail-oriented, and mission-driven professional
to serve as the Donor Relations Specialist within the Office of Advancement, the office responsible for all Development work and Alumni Engagement. You will play a vital part in honoring the generosity of Concordia’s most significant donors by ensuring their gifts are stewarded with accuracy, depth, excellence, and heart. Working primarily behind the scenes, you will lead both the strategy and execution of high-touch stewardship efforts, equipping Major Gift Officers with clear and compelling materials that help individual donors see the impact and legacy of their philanthropy and feel deeply connected to Concordia’s mission. You would get to spend your days ensuring gratitude is embedded in everything we do. The ideal candidate is likely
a skilled project manager and impact-driven storyteller with an eye for the bigger strategic vision
who thrives in a
values-driven, collaborative, and joyful culture.
This role is ripe for an individual with proven transferable skill sets from a variety of industries. As part of a high-performing Advancement team, under the leadership of a
visionary, high-energy new president and new vice president for advancement,
you will play a critical role in inspiring donors to help advance Concordia’s mission to influence the affairs of the world through our students and alumni. What You\'ll Do:
Lead High-Touch Stewardship Strategy and Implementation -
Envision and coordinate a stewardship plan for Concordia’s most significant donors, ensuring donors are honored for their generosity and that their philanthropic impact is clearly communicated through meaningful touchpoints, reporting, and storytelling. Serve as a Strategic Stewardship Partner -
Create curated, personalized stewardship materials, equipping Development staff to demonstrate individual donor impact and foster strong relationships and long-term philanthropy. Oversee Capital Project and Named Scholarship Recognition and Stewardship -
Lead donor recognition efforts for capital building projects, including naming coordination, recognition planning, and follow-up acknowledgment aligned with donor agreements and institutional standards. Oversee the annual named scholarship thank-you process, ensuring donors see the tangible difference they make through their generosity. Direct Gift Agreements and Acknowledgements -
Oversee the full gift agreement process from initial drafting through execution, partnering with donors, Development staff, and the Business Office to ensure donor intent is clearly aligned, approved, and reflected in documentation, reporting, fund management, and stewardship. Why This Role Matters
TheDonorRelationsSpecialistens éures Concordia’s most significant gifts and donor commitments are honored and stewarded with excellence. By focusing on strategy, building repeatable processes, donor intent, and long-term trust, this role strengthens donor confidence, supports major gifts stewardship, and lays the groundwork for sustained philanthropic partnerships. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Services, the Donor Relations Specialist also works consistently and collaboratively with the Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving, and their teams. This individual is a
self-starting, innovative professional with strong interpersonal skills and equally strong attention to detail
with a commitment to creating touchpoints that drive and steward lifelong philanthropy, engagement, affinity and pride for Concordia College. Ideal candidates may come froma variety of backgrounds & industries, such as:
Donor Relations or Advancement Services – Experience stewarding major gifts, endowed or restricted funds, gift agreements, or fund reporting, with a strong appreciation for donor intent, accuracy, and long-term relationship-building. Project Management or Strategic Operations – Background managing complex workflows, ensuring consistency across processes, and supporting cross-functional partners with high-quality materials, structure, timelinesand guidance. Communications, Marketing, or Storytelling – Experience developing impact-focused communications or relationship-centered content that helps audiences understand value, outcomes, and purpose. Financial Services, Trusts, or Foundations – Experience with fund stewardship, reporting, donor or client intent, and long-term relationship management. Mission-Driven Organizations – Work in higher education, nonprofit, or values-based environments where trust, stewardship, and accountability are essential. Qualifications
Experience: Three-fiveyears of related experienceinfundraising,communications, and/or project management Knowledge and appreciation of philanthropy Demonstratedproficiencywith Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint) and experience withcustomerrelationship management (CRM), or database tools. Core Competencies/Skills&Abilities: Commitment to Concordia’s mission,visionand liberal arts education Exceptional communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) Reliable attention to detail, customer service, and confidentiality Outstanding work organization,prioritizationand time-management Strategic, innovative, and adaptableplanning andprojectleadership/development Relationship andimpact-oriented Strong commitment to customer service Self-motivated, results-oriented professional Ableto manage multiple priorities with composure, initiative, and a solutions/impact-oriented mindset Benefits Highlights
Concordia College offers a competitive total compensation package including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid holidays (including time off between Christmas and New Year’s), tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and access to campus wellness and recreational facilities. How to Apply
Click
Apply
on this posting or visit Concordia College’s Career Site directly to submit your application. Question s about the role may be directed to Brent Johnson, Director of Advancement Services, at brentjohnson@cord.edu. Equal Opportunity Employer
Concordia College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
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$46,000 – $56,000 annually Final salary will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations. About the Role
Join the team shaping the future of Concordia College! Concordia College invites a
strategic, detail-oriented, and mission-driven professional
to serve as the Donor Relations Specialist within the Office of Advancement, the office responsible for all Development work and Alumni Engagement. You will play a vital part in honoring the generosity of Concordia’s most significant donors by ensuring their gifts are stewarded with accuracy, depth, excellence, and heart. Working primarily behind the scenes, you will lead both the strategy and execution of high-touch stewardship efforts, equipping Major Gift Officers with clear and compelling materials that help individual donors see the impact and legacy of their philanthropy and feel deeply connected to Concordia’s mission. You would get to spend your days ensuring gratitude is embedded in everything we do. The ideal candidate is likely
a skilled project manager and impact-driven storyteller with an eye for the bigger strategic vision
who thrives in a
values-driven, collaborative, and joyful culture.
This role is ripe for an individual with proven transferable skill sets from a variety of industries. As part of a high-performing Advancement team, under the leadership of a
visionary, high-energy new president and new vice president for advancement,
you will play a critical role in inspiring donors to help advance Concordia’s mission to influence the affairs of the world through our students and alumni. What You\'ll Do:
Lead High-Touch Stewardship Strategy and Implementation -
Envision and coordinate a stewardship plan for Concordia’s most significant donors, ensuring donors are honored for their generosity and that their philanthropic impact is clearly communicated through meaningful touchpoints, reporting, and storytelling. Serve as a Strategic Stewardship Partner -
Create curated, personalized stewardship materials, equipping Development staff to demonstrate individual donor impact and foster strong relationships and long-term philanthropy. Oversee Capital Project and Named Scholarship Recognition and Stewardship -
Lead donor recognition efforts for capital building projects, including naming coordination, recognition planning, and follow-up acknowledgment aligned with donor agreements and institutional standards. Oversee the annual named scholarship thank-you process, ensuring donors see the tangible difference they make through their generosity. Direct Gift Agreements and Acknowledgements -
Oversee the full gift agreement process from initial drafting through execution, partnering with donors, Development staff, and the Business Office to ensure donor intent is clearly aligned, approved, and reflected in documentation, reporting, fund management, and stewardship. Why This Role Matters
TheDonorRelationsSpecialistens éures Concordia’s most significant gifts and donor commitments are honored and stewarded with excellence. By focusing on strategy, building repeatable processes, donor intent, and long-term trust, this role strengthens donor confidence, supports major gifts stewardship, and lays the groundwork for sustained philanthropic partnerships. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Services, the Donor Relations Specialist also works consistently and collaboratively with the Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving, and their teams. This individual is a
self-starting, innovative professional with strong interpersonal skills and equally strong attention to detail
with a commitment to creating touchpoints that drive and steward lifelong philanthropy, engagement, affinity and pride for Concordia College. Ideal candidates may come froma variety of backgrounds & industries, such as:
Donor Relations or Advancement Services – Experience stewarding major gifts, endowed or restricted funds, gift agreements, or fund reporting, with a strong appreciation for donor intent, accuracy, and long-term relationship-building. Project Management or Strategic Operations – Background managing complex workflows, ensuring consistency across processes, and supporting cross-functional partners with high-quality materials, structure, timelinesand guidance. Communications, Marketing, or Storytelling – Experience developing impact-focused communications or relationship-centered content that helps audiences understand value, outcomes, and purpose. Financial Services, Trusts, or Foundations – Experience with fund stewardship, reporting, donor or client intent, and long-term relationship management. Mission-Driven Organizations – Work in higher education, nonprofit, or values-based environments where trust, stewardship, and accountability are essential. Qualifications
Experience: Three-fiveyears of related experienceinfundraising,communications, and/or project management Knowledge and appreciation of philanthropy Demonstratedproficiencywith Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint) and experience withcustomerrelationship management (CRM), or database tools. Core Competencies/Skills&Abilities: Commitment to Concordia’s mission,visionand liberal arts education Exceptional communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) Reliable attention to detail, customer service, and confidentiality Outstanding work organization,prioritizationand time-management Strategic, innovative, and adaptableplanning andprojectleadership/development Relationship andimpact-oriented Strong commitment to customer service Self-motivated, results-oriented professional Ableto manage multiple priorities with composure, initiative, and a solutions/impact-oriented mindset Benefits Highlights
Concordia College offers a competitive total compensation package including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid holidays (including time off between Christmas and New Year’s), tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and access to campus wellness and recreational facilities. How to Apply
Click
Apply
on this posting or visit Concordia College’s Career Site directly to submit your application. Question s about the role may be directed to Brent Johnson, Director of Advancement Services, at brentjohnson@cord.edu. Equal Opportunity Employer
Concordia College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr