Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Engagement

Description

Keuka College is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Engagement. This position will be responsible for all communications for alumni, friends and donors of the College. This role oversees planning and executing alumni and donor communications, through email, online platforms and print. The Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Engagement will be responsible for managing mass communications to alumni and friends while also ensuring meaningful engagement through personalized communications, impactful stewardship opportunities, and reporting related to scholarships.

Essential Responsibilities

[50%] Communications

• Strategic Communications Plan:
• Develop and implement a strategic communications plan for alumni and supporter engagement, including alumni newsletters, class updates, event invitations, informational pieces, and alumni social media channels.
• Craft compelling stories that highlight the importance of giving, donor impact, and the experiences of beneficiaries
• Manage the Keuka College Alumni Website, Planned Giving website, Keuka College Alumni, Official Alumni Facebook Group, and Keuka Alumni Instagram.
• Create and manage the Advancement Communications calendar to ensure timely and effective communications to all constituencies.
• Reporting and Metrics:
• Track and analyze donor engagement metrics to assess the effectiveness of stewardship and fundraising efforts and prepare regular reports for senior leadership on the impact of these activities.
  

[30%] Donor Engagement

• Stewardship and Recognition:
• Create and execute a comprehensive stewardship plan, including preparing the Annual Report to Donors, Donor Impact Reports, Endowment Impact Reports, Holiday Cards, or Interactions with scholarship recipients.
• Organize individualized donor recognition strategies for top level donors.
• Introduce and implement a donor stewardship matrix for all levels of giving.
• Manage the awarding of the Johnson Anderson Heritage Society, Lifetime Giving Society, Blyley Society and Keuka College Leadership membership recognition packets.
• Plan and execute donor recognition events, assist with the production of customized donor recognition pieces as needed, such as reports, photo books, framed pictures/art, medallions and/or gifts.
  

[10%] Crowdfunding and Event Management

• Organization and Execution of Events:
• In collaboration with the Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Services create and manage a specific communications plan for online Crowdfunding Days including but not limited to: Fall Match Day, Athletics Giving Day and Green Vs. Gold.
• Create and manage online giving pages, email timelines and assets and for all initiatives.
• Assist in personalized fundraising to the masses by email or phone to a portfolio of lapsed donors.
• Assist in organizing event logistics, including marketing, communication strategies, and on-site coordination for alumni events.
  

[10%] Collaboration

• Collaboration with College Colleagues:
• Work closely with various departments to enhance donor interactions, coordinate fundraising efforts, and support institutional advancement initiatives.
• Work with colleagues in Marketing and Communications to adapt and repurpose content for the website, social media channels, newsletters, and other digital platforms, ensuring alignment with the College’s brand and messaging.
  

Physical Requirements

• Requires repetitive motions and sitting at a computer keyboard.
• Ability to hear and speak on the telephone.
• Able to conduct business at other offices on campus, with some performance of job duties requiring travel to branch campuses or other offsite locations.
• Evening and weekend hours are occasionally required.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Flexibility for remote or hybrid work may be available, depending on the needs of the team and the demands of the role.
  
  

Employee Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Financial assistance for educational expenses, enabling professional growth and development.
• Protection for you and your loved ones with employer-sponsored life insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off including holidays and sick leave to ensure work-life balance.
• Retirement benefits eligible on the 1st day of employment and matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• Access to confidential counseling and support services for mental health and personal matters through the Employee Assistance Program
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in communications, donor relations, fundraising, or a related field requiring strategic planning, donor engagement, and program management.
• Demonstrated success in managing comprehensive annual giving programs and securing leadership-level gifts, with experience in a higher education setting preferred.
• Proven ability to analyze data, evaluate fundraising programs, and make data-driven recommendations for program enhancements.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication and stewardship strategies to effectively engage alumni and donors.
• Experience managing staff, work-study students, or volunteers, with a track record of successful team leadership and collaboration.
• A willingness to work some evenings and weekends as required for donor events and fundraising activities.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, with preferred experience in Microsoft Excel and fundraising CRM systems such as Blackbaud NXT, demonstrating a strong ability to utilize data and technology to inform and drive fundraising strategies.
• Understanding of social media and online platforms, including online giving pages
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, build effective relationships, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in managing donor relationships and sensitive information.
• Strong analytical skills to assess donor engagement metrics and the effectiveness of fundraising initiatives.
  
  

Work with Purpose at Keuka College

Keuka College, founded in 1890, is a liberal arts-based, private college located in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes. Our picturesque lakeside campus is more than just a place to work – it’s a vibrant, close-knit environment where collaboration, innovation, and personal growth are valued as much as academic excellence.

Why Keuka College?

Mission-Driven: Join us in empowering students to lead, serve, and succeed. Our founder Dr. George Harvey Ball’s mission to “bring strength to our nation and help humanity” is still at the heart of what we do.

Experiential Learning: Our immersive approach to education means you’ll work in an environment that values hands-on experience and innovation.

Core Values

• Create a Strong Sense of Community: Foster a caring, respectful, and diverse environment, emphasizing integrity, leadership, and personal connections.
• Prioritize the Success of Each and Every Student: Focus on student achievement through innovative education, holistic support, and experiential learning.
• Make Thoughtful Use of Resources, Including Ourselves: Collaborate efficiently to maximize resources and empower leadership while maintaining a balanced, goal-oriented environment.
• Engage with Curiosity: Embrace questions, innovation, and lifelong learning with an open and positive mindset.
• Open Doors to Opportunities: Promote equality and provide accessible programs that help individuals achieve their full potential.
  
  

Professional Growth: We support your development through training, leadership programs, and a commitment to helping you succeed.

Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, wellness programs, and a focus on your well-being allow you to thrive at work and at home.

Inclusive Community: We embrace diversity and foster an environment where everyone belongs.

About The Community

Keuka Park, NY, offers stunning lakeside living and is nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake. Known for its vineyards and scenic outdoor adventures, the area offers everything from hiking and fishing to wine tasting. The nearby village of Penn Yan, less than 10 minutes away, is celebrated for its small-town charm, offering parks, shops, cafes, and plenty of local attractions. Life in the Keuka region moves at a relaxed pace, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and simple joys of lakeside living.

Join Us and Make a Difference

If you’re looking for meaningful work in a community that values your contributions, explore career opportunities at Keuka College and be part of something “small on purpose”.