Director Donor Relations, Stewardship & Alumni Engagement
William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
Director Donor Relations, Stewardship & Alumni Engagement
The Director of Donor Relations, Stewardship & Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing and executing a strategic, data-informed donor stewardship and engagement program that strengthens relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders. This role ensures a cohesive and innovative approach to major donor recognition, impact reporting, and personalized engagement experiences that inspire sustained philanthropic investment in the Law School. Job Duties and Functions
Stewardship and Engagement (65%) Works with the Associate Dean, Gift Officers, and University Advancement to create and implement stewardship strategies for principal and major donors. Supports strategies to illustrate and communicate impact for Principal and Major gift donors. Lead strategy and management of the acknowledgment process, donor societies, and donor recognition for major donors ($10K+). Work with Gift Officers to connect donors with students or programs in meaningful ways. Plan high-level opportunities to engage donors and set the stage for future support. Coordinate and execute annual endowment reports for donors and stewardees. Create opportunities to demonstrate the impact of donor funds on key programs through targeted events, one-on-one interactions, and communications. Develop the Law School naming and recognition program to incorporate new spaces and programs. Collaborate with Communications and Development teams on donor recognition opportunities. Highlight donor stories in the annual report and monthly/quarterly publications. Oversee the management of the yearly scholarship/professorship database and stewardship processes. Create unique opportunities to steward and engage top prospects, major donors, and principal donors (dialogue dinners, targeted regional events, scholarship and programmatic top tier donors). Donor Relations (35%) Responsible for managing the Alumni Association Board and Committees. Plan meetings, work with leadership, prepare meeting materials, oversee new member orientation, etc. Plans and Implements Law School Advancement events including: signature events, such as McGlothlin scholars, donor recognition events, onsite and regional alumni events, reunions and board meetings, and Advancement events for students. Oversee programs that deepen alumni and donor engagement through targeted initiatives and events (Co-Counsel program, networking opportunities, and other student related engagement events). Serve as liaison with University Advancement on alumni programming and represent the Law School on events committees. Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, fundraising, or alumni engagement. Knowledge of donor recognition best practices and industry trends. Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience managing timelines and budgets. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging. Proficiency in CRM systems and donor data management. Demonstrated ability to oversee the planning and execution of high-profile donor events. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field. Experience in higher education advancement or nonprofit fundraising. Conditions of Employment
Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. Travel may be required. Pay Range: Up to $95,000, commensurate with experience. Job Profile: JP1030 - Donor Relations/Stewardship Officer - Exempt - Salary Compensation Grade: S13 Recruiting Start Date: 2026-01-23 Review Date: 2025-08-11
The Director of Donor Relations, Stewardship & Alumni Engagement is responsible for developing and executing a strategic, data-informed donor stewardship and engagement program that strengthens relationships with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders. This role ensures a cohesive and innovative approach to major donor recognition, impact reporting, and personalized engagement experiences that inspire sustained philanthropic investment in the Law School. Job Duties and Functions
Stewardship and Engagement (65%) Works with the Associate Dean, Gift Officers, and University Advancement to create and implement stewardship strategies for principal and major donors. Supports strategies to illustrate and communicate impact for Principal and Major gift donors. Lead strategy and management of the acknowledgment process, donor societies, and donor recognition for major donors ($10K+). Work with Gift Officers to connect donors with students or programs in meaningful ways. Plan high-level opportunities to engage donors and set the stage for future support. Coordinate and execute annual endowment reports for donors and stewardees. Create opportunities to demonstrate the impact of donor funds on key programs through targeted events, one-on-one interactions, and communications. Develop the Law School naming and recognition program to incorporate new spaces and programs. Collaborate with Communications and Development teams on donor recognition opportunities. Highlight donor stories in the annual report and monthly/quarterly publications. Oversee the management of the yearly scholarship/professorship database and stewardship processes. Create unique opportunities to steward and engage top prospects, major donors, and principal donors (dialogue dinners, targeted regional events, scholarship and programmatic top tier donors). Donor Relations (35%) Responsible for managing the Alumni Association Board and Committees. Plan meetings, work with leadership, prepare meeting materials, oversee new member orientation, etc. Plans and Implements Law School Advancement events including: signature events, such as McGlothlin scholars, donor recognition events, onsite and regional alumni events, reunions and board meetings, and Advancement events for students. Oversee programs that deepen alumni and donor engagement through targeted initiatives and events (Co-Counsel program, networking opportunities, and other student related engagement events). Serve as liaison with University Advancement on alumni programming and represent the Law School on events committees. Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, fundraising, or alumni engagement. Knowledge of donor recognition best practices and industry trends. Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience managing timelines and budgets. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging. Proficiency in CRM systems and donor data management. Demonstrated ability to oversee the planning and execution of high-profile donor events. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field. Experience in higher education advancement or nonprofit fundraising. Conditions of Employment
Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. Travel may be required. Pay Range: Up to $95,000, commensurate with experience. Job Profile: JP1030 - Donor Relations/Stewardship Officer - Exempt - Salary Compensation Grade: S13 Recruiting Start Date: 2026-01-23 Review Date: 2025-08-11