Job Description

Senior Stewardship Officer

The Senior Stewardship Officer is a key member of the Eller Development and Alumni Relations Team whose primary responsibilities include creating and implementing a donor-centric stewardship strategy for the Eller College of Management. This position reports to the Manager, Alumni and Donor Relations and handles complex projects involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors. The person is also responsible for directing and managing the stewardship operations of the Eller College, including supervising and/or conducting fund reporting, gift processing and acknowledgements of gifts, pledge tracking and recording, creation of impact reports on endowments, and donor recognition. This position is a member of the Philanthropy Alumni & Engagement Program (PAE) and subject to joint management by (unit) and the University of Arizona Foundation as specified in the Amended and Restated Development Services and Asset Management Agreement dated July 2, 2021.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Oversee the donor acknowledgment process in alignment with the PAE's Acknowledgment Guidelines in collaboration with the PAE Stewardship Office, which includes acknowledgement letters and calls, as well as impact reports, financial statements, and progress reports for all endowments.

After training, follow PAE processes and policies, for recording outreach communication, Alumni and donor events, stewardship and strategy in Lynx.

Serve as a resource and liaison for alumni and donors, addressing inquiries and fostering lifelong connections with the University. As directed, track and capture information related to alumni metrics including engagement activities, event participation, volunteer involvement, and contributions to fundraising initiatives.

Conduct regular reviews of stewardship plans and steps with all involved parties; document progress and updates in Lynx in a timely manner.

Together with the Manager, Alumni and Donor Relations and in partnership with the PAE Stewardship Office, will develop and implement a strategic vision for a comprehensive donor stewardship program for major gift and principal gift donors.

Work closely with University PAE teams to align activities that support fundraising initiatives.

As available, use alumni and donor data insights to improve outreach strategies, retention and increase overall affinity for the University.

Partner with frontline fundraising staff to determine the best strategies for the effective stewardship of donors. Working in collaboration with PAE partners, utilize available data and analytics to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations.

As available, use alumni and donor data insights to improve outreach strategies, retention and increase overall affinity for the University.

Work with central PAE partners to ensure the effective implementation of the university-wide stewardship program standards and guidelines at the college level.

Develop and implement customized stewardship plans for assigned donors and facilitate prospect plan stewardship steps, in partnership with development officers, to support fundraising efforts.

Facilitate timely and personalized acknowledgment of gifts through letters, calls and other communications, in accordance with PAE Acknowledgement Guidelines.

Develop, compile, and write communications and promotional literature for distribution such as newsletters, brochures, or flyers.

Coordinate communications efforts related to alumni engagement and donor stewardship including providing the central MarCom team with possible alumni and donor story ideas, submitting event information for the Alumni website, and other outreach efforts.

Prepare detailed stewardship reports, including annual endowment impact reports, and other communications that demonstrate how donors' gifts benefit the areas supported.

Facilitate donor events and experiences such as tours, meetings, and recognition events involving students, faculty, and leadership, after hours and on weekends as required.

Oversee the creation of donor plaques, signage, and other physical recognition elements for college-level stewardship program, in accordance with PAE and university policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Assist with donor and alumni events.

Participate in relevant PAE forums, workgroups, and communities of practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Ability to solve problems and make good decisions.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.

Excellent project management and organizational skills.

Strong grammar and punctuation knowledge.

Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in a variety of software programs such as Microsoft Office, constituent relationship management software (Blackbaud), LinkedIn, and social media and other electronic marketing tools.

Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Graphic design and/or video production experience.

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