The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Howard University's Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is seeking an Assistant Director, Donor Relations to join its team. The incumbent will report to the Manager, Donor Relations, in the Office of Donor Relations and Stewardship, and work closely with the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. This individual will assist in the development, maintenance and enhancement of fund compliance and stewardship reporting that demonstrates financial transparency and impact and collaborate cross-functionally with other (DAR) functions to execute shared goals and drive meaningful outcomes.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Assist with stewardship reporting (on endowed and current-use funds) and the tracking of data associated with these reports.
Assist with managing the annual financial endowment and current-use reporting program, working with colleagues in finance, Advancement Services, and other partners across the university to ensure timely report preparation, coordination with narrative reports, and tracking relevant reporting schedules.
Work with student volunteers to collect donor content for stewardship needs; in
Track gift agreements for new endowments, recognition names and naming opportunities, updating the Raiser's Edge database and stewardship endowment master list.
Participate in the implementation of a new digital reporting software and reporting process redesign.
Conduct regular data audits and quality controls on fund compliance.
Assist with handling internal constituents' questions and requests for information.
Track high-level requests, issues, and questions involving donor acknowledgments, pledge reminders, gift agreements, and other stewardship activities that require quick attention and action through monitoring of inbox and Raiser's Edge.
Utilize Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Raiser's Edge for all other stewardship/recognition updates and tracking.
Assist with disseminating central stewardship and donor relations policies, as well as best practices in the profession, and help instruct colleagues across campus by providing counsel to make these policies and practices functional and consistent across the university.
Assist other team members with donor relations and stewardship activities and cross-train as necessary.
Assist with implementing processes for collecting donor feedback on reporting program. Help identify and implement improvements to the programs as a result of donor feedback.
In coordination with the Manager, Donor Relations, enter narrative report-related data and tasks into the Raiser's Edge database and use the system to assist in keeping front-line fundraisers aware of delivery dates and report status as well as donor feedback.
Work with Donor Relations Coordinator to ensure finalizing and delivery of reports and uploading of final reports into Raiser's Edge.
Proactively identify and recommend processes/systems that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Other duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Outstanding written and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively with colleagues.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and demonstrated ability in multiple projects simultaneously while working optimally under deadlines and changing priorities.
The ability to resolve moderately complex problems and use judgment within defined practices and procedures, and to fully apply standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
The ability to contribute to the fulfillment of projects and organizational objectives.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree
• Proficiency in desktop applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• At least one year of direct experience with stewardship and donor relations
• At least one year of experience in a complex, high-paced Advancement office
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - follow through from request to end
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen carefully and respectfully and to speak with diplomacy and tact
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience working in higher education
• Experience working with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM