Director, Donor Communications and Recognition

Position Summary
Donor Relations cultivates trust and loyalty by engaging donors in the life of the university, deepening their commitment to the university’s mission, and acknowledging, recognizing, and demonstrating the impact of their gifts. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Donor Relations, this position is responsible for management and strategic oversight of the Donor Communications and Recognition team, which includes custom and broad-based impact reporting and gratitude communications; gift acknowledgements and tributes; and digital, printed, and physical donor recognition. This must be an experienced professional skilled in communications, content marketing and strategy, effective organizational design, and team management. In addition, the successful candidate will be able to articulate a clear vision for the future, demonstrate agility and sound judgment, lead high-performing teams, and nurture effective working relationships with diverse constituencies. This is a key position that will require contact with the Executive Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, and other senior university officials.

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides oversight, direction, and day-to-day operations management of the Donor Communications and Recognition team, which includes impact communications, gift acknowledgements and tributes, and donor recognition.
• Responsible for setting a vision for the Donor Communications and Recognition team that aligns with and affirms the overarching goals of the Office of Donor Relations, and for developing and implementing strategies that will support that vision.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts to streamline operations and enhance the donor experience. Builds, evaluates, and refines donor relations deliverables and processes, such as gift acknowledgments, print and digital publications and reports, marketing campaigns, honor rolls, donor signage, and a wide variety of recognition opportunities based on best practices in the field.
• Builds strategic partnerships and influence with colleagues across UA and the university to help Donor Relations achieve its goals and to gain a deeper understanding of how Donor Relations can support its university partners.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six or more years of communications and marketing experience, preferably in higher education or the nonprofit sector, with extensive knowledge of donor relations and stewardship.
• Proven track record of effectively working and leading in a large, complex, dynamic, and sophisticated organization.
• Experience building and managing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, juggle competing priorities, manage projects, organize time, and identify resources for projects.
• Strong management skills and commitment to staff development.
• Ability to set a vision and to influence and inspire others to action, as well as a willingness to dig in and understand the work being done at a more granular level.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Clearly conveys information in a way that is engaging, reflects the audience, and helps others understand and retain the message.
• Superb editing skills and ability to modify communications to reflect the university’s mission and its practices.
• Familiarity with content marketing and strategy as well as effective organizational design.
• Well-developed project management skills, including experience initiating and implementing a new program or project.
• Wide-ranging knowledge of academic units, current affairs in higher education, and research, as well as genuine interest in the ongoing affairs at the university and intellectual curiosity.
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze, condense, and synthesize complex material and provide accurate analysis and summaries.
• Ability to work across units and build effective working relationships.
• Ability to effectively operate in a highly complex environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.

Please apply via https://jobs.wustl.edu/ and enter job #JR79194

Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Please apply via https://jobs.wustl.edu/ and enter job #JR79194