Donor Relations Officer

at  Stanford University

Note - Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world’s most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.
The School of Engineering External Relations - Development team is seeking a Donor Relations Officer to join a talented, dynamic group of development professionals charged with securing philanthropy for the school’s highest priorities. Over the past several years, the team has consistently exceeded its fundraising goals and secured the largest gift in the school’s history. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a key part in the dedication of a new engineering building and in celebrating the school’s upcoming centennial.
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Development Programs, this position will have a vital role in managing and implementing a portfolio of annual reporting, gift acknowledgment and donor engagement activities and projects. Come join us in our efforts to support the School of Engineering!

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Superior organizational skills.
• Excellent writing, research and editorial skills; ability to synthesize information and compose clear and effective materials.
• Ability to listen and respond with diplomacy and tact.
• Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about donors and projects to which they are assigned.
• Strong customer service focus; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in situations requiring independent decision-making and in handling confidential and sensitive material.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and database applications.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (DESIRED):

• Experience working in a complex higher education environment.
• Experience with donor management systems and related technology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, stand/walk, sit, use a telephone.
• Occasionally light/fine grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, writing by hand.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Non-commercial Class Driver’s license.

• Manage a portfolio of annual reporting and donor engagement activities on behalf of the university by establishing and executing project plans, timelines, tasks, and objectives.
• Develop and provide recommendations on best methodologies to engage individual donors by analyzing past trends, researching donor profiles, and collaborating with colleagues to identify and produce key donor relations deliverables, including donor correspondence, videos or events.
• Execute fiduciary responsibility to ensure that gifts are awarded and utilized in accordance with donor expectations and university policies in a timely manner. Resolve discrepancies and escalate when needed.
• Ensure gift acknowledgement process is completed in a timely manner. Identify gifts that qualify for acknowledgement and work on solutions to avoid possible delays. May write original copy of acknowledgements on behalf of school leaders.
• Work with non-development colleagues in the process of executing stewardship activities and to ensure funds are spent in alignment with donors’ wishes.
• Manage the process of requesting gift usage information from beneficiaries, (such as students, faculty). May draft, edit, rewrite, and exercise judgment to determine appropriateness of content. Create reports of fund awarded and ensure timely delivery to donors using appropriate messaging
• Set up donor relations information in the database system. Perform an annual audit of assigned portfolios against the database to ensure that all related documents, fund, stewardee, and beneficiary information is accurate and complete. Identify and resolve any inaccuracies.
• Independently project manage donor recognition projects, including creating communications with donors, colleagues, and vendors which may include: donor walls, signage and websites. Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Assist with creating and executing events; coordinate with the donor relations community on cross functional events.