Donor Engagement and Stewardship Coordinator

Roles

Northwood University is seeking a mission-driven, detail-oriented Donor Engagement and Stewardship Coordinator to support our alumni relations efforts, donor stewardship, and mid-level giving programs. This role is ideal for an early-career professional who is energized by building connections, coordinating projects, and making a meaningful impact through engagement, communications, and relationship development.

The coordinator will lead and/or support key initiatives such as Project 100, Liberty Fund, Day of Giving and the Alumni Legacy Program while also contributing to the stewardship and reporting processes for private donor-funded scholarships, monthly donors, and gifts ranging from $100 to $25,000. This role plays a key part in Northwood’s donor pipeline and will provide a warm and consistent donor experience across programs.

Responsibilities

Alumni Engagement

• Lead the planning and execution of alumni and friend engagement initiatives including Project 100, Liberty Fund, and the Alumni Legacy Program.
• Support engagement activities including Day of Giving, alumni and friends events, and digital campaigns.
• Assist in developing and distributing communications to alumni and donors through email, newsletters, social media, and other channels.
• Work collaboratively with Advancement team members to strengthen alumni involvement in giving programs and university initiatives.
• Maintain accurate alumni records and engagement history in the university CRM.
  
  

Donor Stewardship & Mid-Level Giving

• Assist in developing, implementing and coordinating a broad-based strategy of donor recognition, stewardship and donor communications.
• Steward gifts ranging from $100 to $25,000 with timely thank-you communications, impact updates, and personalized outreach.
• Support the planning and execution of employee giving and engagement programs.
• Support and grow the monthly giving program with regular touchpoints, donor recognition, and retention strategies.
• Coordinate donor impact reports and thank-you letters, particularly for private scholarship donors.
• Gather, edit, and produce student thank-you notes and profiles for scholarship reporting.
• Track scholarship awards and ensure timely and accurate communication with donors regarding student recipients.
• Maintain stewardship calendars and deliverables to ensure consistent donor engagement and retention.
  
  

General Advancement Support

• Contribute to Advancement team projects, special events, and campaigns.
• Support accurate data entry, donor tracking, and reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Alumni and Donor Relations team.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1–3 years of professional experience, preferably in alumni relations, fundraising, nonprofit, or higher education setting.
• Strong communication skills including writing abilities related to presentations and reports, strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with CRM or donor databases a plus.
• Experience with ThankView or other digital, video platforms that assist in promotion, recognition and communication outcomes would be an asset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with a collaborative and positive attitude.
• At various times throughout the year, travel and work outside of regular daytime work hours, during evenings and weekends.
  
  

Personal Characteristics:

• A relationship-builder who enjoys engaging with alumni, donors, and students.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions oriented.
• Enthusiastic team player committed to excellence.
• Passionate about Northwood University’s mission and values as represented by The Northwood Idea.
  
  

Expectations

Northwood University has an institutional philosophy which emphasizes free enterprise in a context of limited government and individual responsibility. The ideal candidate will have a strong attraction to the mission and core values of Northwood University. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the University’s outcomes at www.northwood.edu/aboutus/ .