The Catholic University of America

The Division of University Advancement plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continued growth and excellence of The Catholic University of America. By fostering deep and meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, benefactors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations, we secure vital financial support that fuels the university's mission. Through this support, we provide scholarships that open doors for deserving students, strengthen academic programs and faculty, and invest in the development and modernization of campus infrastructure. Our efforts directly empower the university to fulfill its highest aspirations—preparing future leaders, advancing knowledge, and cultivating a community grounded in Catholic values. 

The Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations serves as a strategic leader in the University Advancement division, charged with creating, executing, and evaluating a comprehensive and donor-centric stewardship program. This individual will oversee donor engagement strategies designed to express gratitude, demonstrate impact, and deepen philanthropic relationships. In collaboration with senior leadership, academic units, and advancement officers, the Director ensures the highest standards in donor recognition events and activities, gift acknowledgment, and endowed reporting, all in support of the University's mission and advancement priorities. Serve as a key advisor to Advancement leadership, contributing to campaign planning, donor strategy, and university-wide philanthropic initiatives. Supports the Division of University Advancement in achieving its strategic and fundraising goals, as well as Campaign goals, through positive and productive interaction and collaboration with all departmental staff, University liaisons, and external constituents. 

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: Up to $100,000

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of a comprehensive annual stewardship and donor engagement strategy across all levels of giving.
• Serve as a strategic partner and manage a stewardship portfolio of top donors, partnering with advancement officers and university leaders to provide personalized information and high-impact stewardship experiences.
• Oversee the production and quality of presidential and executive-level gift acknowledgments and donor communications.
• Conceptualize and execute donor recognition and stewardship events, reports, and branded materials, ensuring alignment with campaign and institutional priorities.
• Develop, document, and maintain clear policies, procedures, and best practices for donor relations and stewardship, ensuring institutional compliance and consistency.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Budget, and Academic units to ensure accurate scholarship award processes, donor intent fulfillment, and timely reporting.
• Create and implement a framework to measure effectiveness of stewardship programs, including data tracking, reporting, and impact metrics.
• Supervise professional and administrative staff within the Stewardship and Donor Relations team, including hiring, goal-setting, performance evaluations, and professional development.

Required:
• A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in donor relations, advancement, or stewardship within a complex nonprofit or higher education environment.
• Proven leadership in developing and managing strategic donor stewardship programs, including personalized recognition, impact reporting, and donor events.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience with demonstrated success in building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams.
• Experience managing relationships with high-level donors, trustees, and institutional leaders.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and working within fundraising databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Millennium).
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; adept at crafting persuasive and personalized donor communications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
Preferred:
• Direct involvement in capital campaigns, gift agreements, endowment reporting, or board engagement.
• Background in higher education fundraising and familiarity with academic structures and scholarship administration.
• Experience incorporating metrics and data analytics into stewardship strategy.

Must be polished, passionate and have exceptional interpersonal skills. Must possess the ability to lead and obtain results from professional colleagues and exceptional ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Must have effective planning and organization skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google suite of applications. Familiarity with generally accepted office procedures, and ability to utilize the internet for research-related duties. Skills in planned giving and/or wealth management desirable. Skill in using development-related database systems, preferably Raiser's Edge.

Skill in using development-related database systems. Possession of current and valid U.S. driver’s license appropriate to the type of university vehicle and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) as stipulated in the Vehicle Guidelines and Procedures Manual administered through the office of Environmental Health and Safety. Annual clearance of MVR check through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.