Director of Stewardship Programs
The Director of Stewardship leads a comprehensive donor stewardship program that enhances relationships with benefactors through impactful reporting, meaningful recognition, and engagement strategies that align with the College’s mission. This role develops and executes stewardship programs to acknowledge and celebrate philanthropy, ensuring donor intent is honored while fostering long-term commitment to Holy Cross College. As a senior leader in the Advancement team, the Director collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including fundraisers, College leadership, faculty, and students, to deliver best-in-class stewardship experiences. The Director also ensures compliance with donor agreements and plays a pivotal role in strengthening a culture of gratitude and philanthropy at Holy Cross.
Gift Acknowledgement, Impact Reporting & Customized Donor Engagement (30%)
Oversee the timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts, including drafting and personalizing letters from the President and other College leadership.
Develop and produce impact reports for major donors, endowed fund donors, and other key stakeholders, ensuring donors see the tangible outcomes of their generosity.
Design customized donor engagement initiatives, including special donor experiences, milestone acknowledgments, and personal outreach.
Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop individualized stewardship strategies for major and planned giving donors.
Coordinate donor visits, impact-focused communications, and engagement activities that connect benefactors with the mission of Holy Cross.
Stewardship Process Development (25%)
Establish and implement a donor stewardship calendar to ensure timely and personalized engagement for all donor levels.
Develop systematic tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of stewardship efforts, ensuring all activities are documented in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Create and refine standardized procedures for acknowledgments, recognition, and stewardship materials to enhance efficiency and consistency.
Partner with campus leadership to align stewardship efforts across departments, ensuring consistency in donor engagement and reporting.
Recognition and Stewardship Strategy (20%)
Design and execute donor recognition initiatives, including naming opportunities, giving societies, and donor honor rolls.
Plan and implement donor appreciation events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, ensuring meaningful donor engagement.
Develop creative approaches to donor recognition, incorporating digital and print storytelling, video messaging, and experiential opportunities.
Ensure adherence to College branding and messaging guidelines in all stewardship communications.
Gift Fund Management (15%)
Collaborate with finance and academic departments to ensure donor funds are utilized in accordance with gift agreements and donor intent.
Work with campus leadership to develop and communicate impact reports for scholarship donors, endowed funds, and other restricted gifts.
Maintain a comprehensive database of all endowed funds, including historical records of donor commitments and impact reporting.
Collaborative Support for Advancement and Alumni Engagement Functions (10%)
Serve as a resource for the entire Advancement team, providing guidance on donor relations best practices.
Support cross-functional fundraising and engagement efforts, contributing to donor events, campaign initiatives, and alumni engagement strategies.
Assist with special projects, including campaign planning, anniversary celebrations, and institutional stewardship initiatives.
Stay informed on industry best practices in stewardship and donor relations, ensuring Holy Cross remains at the forefront of donor engagement.
