Director-Stewardship

Job Summary
We are currently seeking a Director of Stewardship to provide strategic leadership and oversight for a comprehensive, institution‑wide stewardship program. This role is responsible for designing, implementing and documenting a comprehensive stewardship system in three categories:

High level donor stewardship : Ensures donors are systematically recognized and informed of their impact. Includes personalized stewardship recognition activities and plans.

Stewardship of donated funds : Oversees and reports on endowed and non‑endowed funds and actively involves advancement services, university units and departments and fundraising team members in reciprocal accountability for accurate and timely expenditure of funds raised.

Stewardship Ecosystem : Develops and maintains consistent, accurate, and appropriate mechanisms for stewarding and communicating with prospects and donors across all pipelines. Develops, approves and implements stewardship policies, procedures and participates in cross‑functional policy and procedure development as needed.

The salary for this position is $60,301 up to $72,370, depending on education, experience and skills.

Benefits
The university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, disability insurance and retirement. Employees receive generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted UW sports tickets, full access to campus workout facilities and free transportation through STA buses.

Responsibilities

Develop customized donor stewardship plans and implement them with applicable colleagues.

Facilitate and organize special donor recognition and engagement events for individuals and groups.

Identify and prepare outreach information for action by university leadership in response to donor behavior including current giving and milestone giving.

Provide vision, leadership and direction to the Office of Philanthropy and Annual Giving in partnership with Marketing and Communications, Advancement Services and Financial Aid & Scholarship.

Manage guidelines, procedures, acknowledgment and impact reporting for university‑wide recognition of annual and lifetime giving.

Develop and update guidelines and procedures for university‑wide philanthropic naming policies and donor recognition.

Work closely with Advancement Services to direct and implement best practices and procedures for gift processing, donor receipting, VIP special handling, accuracy of donor records, database reporting and ensuring donor intent.

Manage the stewardship of endowed and non‑endowed philanthropic funds, including quarterly oversight to ensure funds are utilized fully and proactively work with university partners to identify and resolve issues when funds are not utilized.

Lead and participate in planning major stewardship events, including the Red Tie Gala, and partner with philanthropy team members to develop stewardship activities that help lay the framework for future giving.

Manage stewardship and associated event budgets and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

At least three years of relevant experience in a development‑related role in an educational environment, ideally in higher education.

Knowledge of CRM purpose and use.

Proven track record managing major donor stewardship or annual fund and commensurate stewardship program.

A strong sense of fundraising ethics and practices, and respect for confidentiality of donor information.

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and empathetic approach.

Willingness to be part of a collaborative environment and work closely with colleagues and donors.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.

Positive attitude, flexible approach and sense of humor.

Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that supports the needs of all stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience planning donor‑facing events.

Higher education experience.

Experience managing a stewardship program.

Other Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

High‑level organizational skills.

Conditions of Employment
This position involves receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement
EWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

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