Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

As a visionary leader on the Strategy team, the director will execute a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship plan, move key donors through the pipeline, educate campus partners about their role in impactful acknowledgments, connect top tier donors with students, and increase retention overall. The director will join an award-winning team dedicated to creative pursuits that increase philanthropy and engagement at Ball State University.

At Ball State University, Inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Inclusive Excellence Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

Position Function: The Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship is a creative and data inspired leader within the Ball State University Foundation. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Strategy, the Director works to foster lasting relationships with the university’s benefactors and has a goal to increase donor retention. This individual will design, implement and manage an institution-wide comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of Ball State’s more than 25,000 annual donors.

The director will join a dedicated, award-winning team, contribute to the Ball State Foundation’s growth, and will play a critical role in identifying opportunities to increase donor retention and ultimately dollars raised to support the University.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. At least three years of experience in stewardship, donor relations, communications, public relations, fundraising or related field, preferably in an educational setting and/or in higher ed university advancement. Excellent verbal and creative writing skills. Proven record of developing comprehensive communication strategies and initiatives. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the university’s auto fleet policy.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Five or more years of experience in advancement/fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, marketing, public relations, or related experience; proven abilities in fundraising and/or donor relations best practices. Experience in analyzing data to benefit strategy and decision-making. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

Apply online at: https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/29344. Include the following documents with your application: resume and cover letter addressed to Beth Alexander. The option to upload transcripts, letter of recommendation, and writing sample is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earner is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted through March 10, 2022.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. Ball State aspires to be the model of the most student-centered and community-engaged of the 21st century public research universities, transforming entrepreneurial learners into impactful leaders – committed to improving the quality of life for all.

The Ball State way is rooted in the Beneficence Pledge – a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, honesty and integrity, social responsibility, gratitude and valuing the intrinsic worth of each member of our community. Ball State students, faculty and staff are empowered in a culture that believes in them and demands they believe in themselves. They are partners in an innovative, immersive approach to education. They are supported by living and learning facilities that enable intellectual curiosity. We graduate scholars who are changing the world, and we’ve dedicated our University to do the same.

The university offers an excellent wellness program and extensive benefits offerings to include a generous paid time off package and paid parental leave. For further information regarding benefits please visit:

https://cms.bsu.edu/About/AdministrativeOffices/HumanResources/Jobs/Benefits-and-Community/professional-staff

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.