Since 1867, Howard University has awarded more than 130,000 degrees in the professions, arts, sciences, and humanities. Howard ranks among the highest producers of the nation’s Black professionals in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, architecture, religion, law, music, social work, and education.
The University has long held a commitment to dismantle systems and processes that marginalize and harm people in American society and throughout the world. The goal is the elimination of inequities related to race, color, social , economic, and political circumstances. As the only truly comprehensive predominantly Black University, Howard is one of the major engineers of change in our society. Through its traditional and cutting-edge academic programs, the University seeks to improve the circumstances of all people in the search for peace and justice on Earth – Howard prepares men and women to advance social justice and the preservation of human liberty.
Regarded as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning, current enrollment is more than 13,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students representing 49 states and more than 100 countries. The University continues to prepare Black scholars in every field and across the globe.
The Associate Director, Principal Gift Stewardship is a key member of the central office for the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. Developing a strong culture of donor relations and stewardship is vital to the success of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and ongoing efforts to secure the University’s most transformative philanthropic gifts. The Associate Director, Principal Gift Stewardship leads efforts to build a Principal Donor Stewardship Program. The role provides consistent, long-term stewardship and personalized interactions with university leadership to donors capable of making seven-figure and above investments. The Associate Director will also lead the refinement of existing major gift stewardship strategies and initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, the Associate Director is the internal liaison between gift officers securing DAR’s largest gifts and the Office of Donor Relations. Regular contact with the Principal Gift Committee as well as frequent interactions with external wealth advisors, consultants and family foundation offices may be required. Teamwork and collaboration both within DAR and with campus partners are essential.
The position is responsible for defining, coordinating, and executing a Principal Gifts Stewardship Program, including the implementation of new stewardship standards, practices, and procedures. The focus of the program is to provide comprehensive, high impact experiences and reports to significant donors, proactively monitor and manage their stewardship needs, and maintain complete records of each donor’s involvement and ongoing activity. Stewardship projects may be complex and include multiple deliverables, including written communications, videos, or personalized interactions with university leadership, faculty and staff.
On a regular and on-going basis, the Associate Director confers with team members to strategize stewardship opportunities and with the Principal Gifts Committee to advance the planning of new gift opportunities for principal donors.
The Associate Director is expected to work with colleagues to customize acknowledgment letters and other stewardship correspondence, monitor reporting requirements and source information from campus partners needed to ensure that the University fulfils its fiduciary responsibility to award and utilize donated funds in accordance with donor expectations and university policy. As required, the role will ensure that discrepancies are escalated and resolved. Additional oversight may include ensuring the accuracy of gift documentation in DAR’s database.
Ideal Candidate:
- Proven success managing a portfolio of high-level donors and implementing personalized stewardship plans.
- Demonstrated ability to craft creative and high-quality, inspiring correspondence for donors.
- Ability to coordinate interactions with faculty and other campus partners to cultivate, honor, thank and motivate donors.
- Proficiency in research, interpreting, and analyzing financial data to inform reporting on named funds, and other engagement activities.
- Ability to implement systems and follow-up processes in a highly organized manner.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to synthesize complex gift agreements.
- Ability to navigate internal processes and structures to problem-solve and contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and a high degree of discretion.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and (5) years of donor relations experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Database management experience; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Howard University.
