Donor Relations and Stewardship Associate

Donor Relations and Stewardship Associate

The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Development team is seeking a Donor Relations and Stewardship Associate to join the Individual Giving, Schools and Centers team to support and enhance donor stewardship and engagement within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (DSAS) and College of General Studies (CGS).

This position leads the strategic planning, organization, and execution of stewardship initiatives and events for top donors. This includes creating personalized and innovative touchpoints that celebrate donor generosity and deepen their connection to the mission of DSAS and CGS. The role also involves developing and managing comprehensive annual stewardship plans in collaboration with central colleagues, departmental teams, and external partners. These plans are designed to align with donor engagement goals and organizational priorities, with regular evaluation and adjustment based on effectiveness and donor feedback.

This stewardship position reports to the Director of Development and is responsible for crafting and managing compelling donor acknowledgment communications, including letters, emails, and other correspondence, on behalf of Dietrich leadership and key faculty. This role ensures that all communications reflect donor interests, demonstrate the impact of their contributions, and align with institutional objectives.

The Associate will be a key staff member assigned to a targeted portfolio of donors, providing personalized engagement through various communication channels and delivering tailored updates highlighting their contributions' transformative impact. Accurate documentation and maintenance of donor-related data in the CRM system are essential, as is the use of data analytics to measure the success of stewardship efforts and inform engagement strategies.

Collaboration is key, and this position works closely with development colleagues, faculty, and staff to ensure cohesive communication strategies and effective coordination of activities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional written and oral communication skills, a strategic and creative approach to donor stewardship, and strong organizational abilities. Familiarity with CRM systems and a track record of leveraging data for decision-making are preferred.

The role may require occasional evening and weekend work to support events and donor engagement activities.

Develops, implements, and supports programs and policies across the integrated Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement to build lifelong relationships that support and enhance fundraising and active audience engagement. Provides stewardship for annual, leadership, major, and principal gift donors and supports a standardized communication strategy for recognition of smaller gift donors. Writes individualized communications plans and donor relations communications efforts. Executes meetings and events that advance donor engagement and involvement. Participates in strategic and long-range planning and manages event budgets and portfolios.

Essential Functions as noted in the job catalog suffice.

Incumbent must be capable of oral and written communication.

Must be able to drive a donor (on limited occasion).
Assist in setting up donor events.

Lifting small amount(<30lbs)of supplies in conjunction with events.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.