AVP of Donor Relations - OHSU Foundation

At a glance

Shape the future of transformational donor engagement at a leading academic health institution! Oregon Health & Science University is seeking an AVP of Donor Relations to oversee stewardship, board relations, and special events, ensuring an exceptional donor experience. As a key senior leader, you’ll collaborate with OHSU leadership and the Board of Trustees to drive engagement and impact at Oregon’s only public academic health center, where cutting-edge innovation meets compassionate care. Join a mission-driven, patient-focused culture that thrives on collaboration and medical breakthroughs. Ready to make your mark in Portland, OR? Apply today—relocation assistance is available!

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, Oregon Health and Science University, is recruiting an AVP of Donor Relations to join their team in Portland, OR. This position provides a flexible work schedule with some onsite presence in Portland, Oregon. At OHSU, you’ll be part of an impact-driven organization that transforms lives through medical innovation, education, and patient care. If you are a strategic donor relations leader looking to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and be part of this mission. 

Here’s a little about Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and the position they are recruiting for:   

As Oregon’s only public academic health center, OHSU plays a vital role in advancing health, education, and research. With hospitals, clinics, and a network of partners across Oregon and southwest Washington, OHSU is home to leading programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health. As Portland’s largest employer, OHSU is a national research hub, a statewide economic driver, and a dedicated provider of care for Oregon’s most vulnerable populations. Together, OHSU’s faculty, staff, and students work toward a shared mission: to bring health and hope to all. 

What’s in it for you: 

Anticipated annual salary range: $170,000 – $220,000 

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare coverage, and multiple retirement plan options 

Explore OHSU’s benefits: Employee Benefits 

About the role:  

As the AVP of Donor Relations, you will lead comprehensive donor stewardship strategies that strengthen and sustain donor commitment to the OHSU Foundation. As a senior leadership team member, you will collaborate with development officers, OHSU leadership, and the OHSU Foundation Board of Trustees to enhance donor engagement, recognition, and stewardship initiatives. You will oversee stewardship, board relations, and special events, ensuring an impactful and cohesive donor experience. 

How you will be spending your time: 

Overseeing Donor Relations Strategies & Programs: 

• Direct and provide oversight for the Donor Relations teams (Board Relations, Stewardship, Special Events), programs, strategies and activities to ensure the right donors are being stewarded and engaged at the right time and in the right way. 

• Serve as a strategic partner to OHSU and Foundation leadership, development team, OHSU Foundation Board, and other key constituents to advise on stewardship, event, and board relations best practices for current and prospective donors. 

• Partner with Foundation leadership team to collaborate on strategic priorities and goals in support of the fundraising mission. 

• Ideate and strategically lead several annual OHSU Foundation signature events to ensure they are supporting organizational goals and priorities. 

• Lead the development and implementation of donor relations strategies and processes, specifically: stewardship programs and activities supporting all giving levels, principal and transformational giving stewardship plans, scholarship stewardship, named chair and professorship stewardship, board relations engagement and communication, and special events.  

• Oversee strategy for development team and university partners to provide regular and accurate stewardship reports detailing gift use and impact. 

• Collaborate with OHSU and Foundation leadership to monitor standards for consistent and appropriate donor recognition on buildings and physical spaces on campus. 

• Oversee and provide strategic guidance for the Board Relations program and activities related to management and governance of the OHSU Foundation Board of Trustees. 

• Conduct ongoing analyses of existing Donor Relations programs to ensure they are aligned with priorities and goals. 

• Ensure there are no “gaps” in stewardship and engagement opportunities and programs for OHSU Foundation donors. 

Team Leadership & Management 

• Establish clear individual and team goals, ensuring alignment with OHSU and OHSU Foundation priorities and values 

• Oversee and formally evaluate the work of direct reports; plan and establish clear performance objectives  

• Manage departmental budget and consult and provide guidance on team budgets 

Strategic Leadership & Special Projects 

• Collaborate with Foundation colleagues to plan and execute Foundation-wide projects or initiatives 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• 10 years of related experience, including 5 years leading donor relations programs. 

• Experience managing a team and developing strategic plan with goals and evaluative measures 

• Demonstrated knowledge of stewardship and advancement practices 

• Strategic leadership skills; ability to drive the development of innovative and integrated stewardship programs and events that align with organizational needs and vision. 

• Relationship-oriented with strong interpersonal skills; ability to engage professionally, tactfully, and productively with a variety of constituents, including Foundation colleagues, donors and alumni, University faculty and staff, and outside vendors and service providers. 

• Process-minded; excels at managing and improving processes. 

• Detail and results-oriented; shows exceptional tact, judgment and diplomacy in solving problems and developing solutions. 

• Compassionate and culturally-responsive; maintains an ability to work with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Preferred Experience: 

• Experience in special events  

• Experience in board relations  

• Direct fundraising experience, particularly at the major and principal gift level 

• Experience in higher education or healthcare 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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Salary : $170,000 - $220,000