Syracuse University

Job # 041949

Department Code 50406-7121

Department Advancement and External Affairs

Job Title Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Location Syracuse, NY

Pay Range $65,000 - $70,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S5

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type Full-time

Campus Syracuse, NY

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Job Description

The Associate Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship serves as a strategic leader and storyteller within the University Advancement Marketing and Communications team. Charged with advancing a culture of gratitude and philanthropic impact, this role designs and implements comprehensive stewardship communications, donor recognition strategies, and data-driven engagement initiatives that strengthen donor relationships across all levels of giving.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Donor Relations, the role is responsible for overseeing annual donor reporting focused on endowment and scholarship impact, providing support for the management of donor recognition programs, and ensuring effective systems for tracking and evaluating stewardship efforts. This role partners closely with colleagues in Financial Aid, Advancement Services and the Treasurer’s Office to ensure a coordinated, personalized, and mission-driven approach to donor engagement.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five (5) plus years of experience in donor relations, advancement communications, or related field.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred:

• Experience working in higher education advancement or a complex nonprofit environment.
• Graphic design or visual storytelling skills a plus.
• Understanding and experience with Blackbaud CRM, Academic Works Award Management, and Fundriver or equivalents

Skills and Knowledge

• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated understanding of the donor cycle, fundraising and stewardship best practices and industry trends.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities, with a keen eye for detail and quality.
• Experience supporting donor recognition societies and giving programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skill and ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of annual endowment and scholarship reports, ensuring high-quality, donor-centered content that illustrates the impact of giving.
• Collaborate with campus partners to collect, synthesize, and present student and programmatic stories that bring donor impact to life.
• Produce tailored impact reports and strategic stewardship pieces that inspire continued donor support.
• Partner with development teams to support the strategy, implementation and ongoing engagement of donor recognition societies.
• Develop content and communications for society members that reinforce their impact, build affinity and encourage continued participation.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of events, touchpoints, and recognition activities that strengthen connections within giving societies.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking donor engagement and stewardship activities across the division.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services to produce stewardship dashboards and reporting tools that guide decision-making and measure effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate records of donor preferences, fulfillment of requirements, and recognition commitments.
• Utilize Citrus for recording all donor interactions, recording of correspondence and donor activity.
• Serve as a thought partner to Advancement colleagues, offering creative and strategic input on donor journeys and engagement strategies.
• Contribute to a positive, innovative, and collaborative team culture, mentoring staff and encouraging cross-functional alignment.
• Direct, train and supervise an assistant director level position fostering their professional growth through regular coaching, performance evaluation, and alignment with strategic engagement initiatives.
• Represent the Donor Relations team in meetings, working groups, and special projects as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/109721

Job Posting Date 06/10/2025

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category Staff

Message to Applicants

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