Manager, Stewardship Communication

Apply now Job no:497019
Work type:Staff Full-Time
Location:Denver, CO
Categories:Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support, Community Engagement, Advancement
Division: Advancement

About the University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University – very high research activity as a Doctoral/Research University. Financial Times Higher Education, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review have consistently ranked DU among the nation’s top 100 universities and among the top three universities in the state of Colorado.

The University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that define our region and our history. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world.

About DU Advancement

In preparation for the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the University’s history, the University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.

The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.

About the Donor Relations & Stewardship Team

The Donor Relations & Stewardship team is an integral part of the fundraising success at DU. Centrally supporting University-wide efforts, the team consists of a Director, an Associate Director, two Managers, and the Coordinator. It’s a cross-collaborative, highly communicative, supportive, and kind environment where quality, excellence, and initiative are the cornerstones of our work. We serve many constituencies and have a strong focus on delivering good customer service, a pleasant experience, and timely responses to all inquiries.

Position Summary

The Manager, Stewardship Communications reports directly to the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship and is responsible for stewardship reporting, donor engagement and recognition, event communication, and stewardship project management for the team. This position will work across the Donor Relations & Stewardship team to actively engage and steward a wide variety of DU’s supporters. This position will interact frequently with the Advancement Communications team, as well as University staff most associated with impact reporting and unit-based stewardship efforts. In addition, this position will oversee the ordering, inventory, and management of the donor relations and stewardship gifting closet.

Essential Functions

• Communications
• Create print and digital event invitations, program collateral, and other event materials for three signature University-wide events and six scholarship events throughout the year.
• Serve as the key project manager on all stewardship reporting plans, providing content, gathering materials, and coordinating with partners across campus.
• Responsible for the development of stewardship communications such as acknowledgement letters, scholarship stewardship communications, donor impact statements, and fund reporting materials.
• Compile communication reports, post-event data, and stewardship summaries to evaluate successes and identify strategies and ideas for enhancements.
• Develop effective and collaborative relationships with donors, leadership, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Update and document processes as needed. Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures on an ongoing basis.
• Document relevant information in database.

•  Stewardship Reporting
• Execute and project manage the stewardship reporting plan that involves communications, faculty/staff outreach, and close coordination with the Advancement Communications team.
• Coordinate and project manage the collection of stewardship materials and content.
• Create and update process documents for all stewardship initiatives.
• Ability to use technology tools to improve processes.

• University Citizenship
• Serve as an active and collaborative partner to all central and unit-based advancement functions and other campus colleagues, to foster strategic, effective, and collaborative fundraising practices.
• Model “One DU” thinking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently with exemplary project management skills, multi-tasking, and attention to detail.
• Strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Suite, especially Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Proven experience in copywriting and editing. Graphic design skills are preferred, but not necessary.
• Must possess exceptional organizational skills and high internal standards of quality service.
• Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations, and maintain composure and objectivity while under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal, written and organizational skills for developing and maintaining relationships.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and be self-motivated.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan and implement short- and long-term goals based on the program’s needs.
• Ability to understand and appreciate cultural differences that impact constituents and to communicate effectively across cultures.
• An understanding and attitude of customer service; ability to be very flexible and adapt to change.
• Willingness to take initiative, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Adept at problem-solving, critical thinking, and using judgment in situations that require sensitivity and tact.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to commit to event days and potentially work weekends or night hours.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in journalism, marketing, communications, or a related field. (Veterans with equivalent combination of military certification/education and experience may substitute for the degree qualification).
• 2 years of donor/constituent/member relations experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or similarly complex environment.
• Experience in communications and/or donor/alumni engagement

Working Environment

Physical Activities

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., some nights and weekends as required, eligible for hybrid work

Application Deadline

For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) January 8, 2024.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 9.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.