The Director of Benefactor Relations plays a pivotal role in Saint Mary's University's advancement efforts. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and innovative professional to lead the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive benefactor relations programming. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, energetic, and possess a keen ability to foster meaningful connections between the university and its benefactors. Reporting to the AVP of Advancement, the Director will oversee stewardship initiatives, strategize benefactor engagement, and drive leadership-driven projects to ensure the university's mission and goals are effectively communicated and supported by its benefactor community.

Stewardship Program Management (60%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual plan for benefactor relations, encompassing recruitment, acknowledgment, recognition, and retention strategies.
• Coordinate a calendar of stewardship activities across giving levels, optimizing opportunities for engagement and interaction.
• Manage events to create exceptional experiences aligned with Advancement strategic priorities, leveraging resources efficiently.
• Oversee stewardship efforts including benefactor recognition displays, newsletters, endowment reports, and scholarship recipient notifications.
• Collaborate with Major Gifts and Alumni & Benefactor engagement teams to strategize stewardship and recognition for top benefactors.
• Track relevant data within Advancement systems and manage the stewardship budget effectively.

Benefactor Stewardship Strategy (30%)

• Research and implement innovative ideas to enhance stewardship offerings and scale Advancement Office initiatives.
• Solicit and analyze feedback from stakeholders to continually refine stewardship activities and meet shared engagement goals.
• Provide program summaries and evaluations to Advancement leadership and other university stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services to improve systems for tracking stewardship plans.
• Stay informed about industry standards and best practices in benefactor stewardship and nonprofit sectors.
• Develop and implement benefactor recognition strategies and protocols for fundraising campaigns.
• Establish benchmarks for measuring the success of the stewardship program.

Other (10%)

• Cultivate an inclusive work environment and model inclusive behavior.
• Perform other duties as assigned by AVP, Advancement.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. Experience deemed equivalent and relevant will also be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in stewardship, fundraising, or alumni relations, preferably in education.
• Proficiency with computer and development software (Raiser's Edge NXT) preferred.
• A career history of commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards including confidentiality.

Essential Skills and Functions

• Proactive with strong prioritization skills to maximize department resources.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with a commitment to professional and ethical standards.
• Track record of delivering high-quality work and taking personal responsibility for outcomes.
• Self-reflective with a focus on continuous growth and improvement.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive data with discretion.
• Demonstrate competency and promote inclusion and human dignity.
• Proven ability to interact with varied constituencies in a collegial and professional manner.

Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.