Donor Relations Specialist

The Donor Relations Specialist provides leadership and support to varying degrees in the areas of donor recognition, event management, and donor communications and acknowledgement. Other key responsibilities include high-level support for the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services, project management of one time and annual donor relations initiatives, and overflow support for any of the department’s primary areas of service. 

Baton Rouge, LA

LSU Foundation

<p>The mission of the LSU Foundation is to inspire and shepherd philanthropic giving to LSU and build long-lasting relationships with donors who bring life to current and emerging university priorities. Its desire is to support LSU in its quest to enhance the student experience, provide working capital to recruit and retain world-class faculty and staff, support life- changing research, and drive economic development. The Foundation is dedicated to stewarding each gift to maximize donors&rsquo; impact on making LSU one of the best universities in the world.</p> http://www.lsufoundation.org/jobs

keywords: leadership,support,management,education,production,compliance,administration,leadership,support,creative,time management,degree,experience,communication,creativity

Motivated Professional

Overview: The Donor Relations Specialist is a vital team member in the Office of Donor Relations. In this role, the Donor Relations Specialist provides leadership and support to varying degrees in the areas of donor recognition, event management, and donor communications and acknowledgement. Other key responsibilities include high-level support for the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services, project management of one time and annual donor relations initiatives, and overflow support for any of the department&rsquo;s primary areas of service.&nbsp;
Responsibilities: <strong>ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES</strong> <ul> <li>Manages the timely production and communication of print and electronic acknowledgements, pledge reminders and special communications for the LSU Foundation in general, LSU Foundation Leadership, select Colleges and Units, University Executive Leadership; and Foundation Volunteer Leadership as appropriate,</li> <li>Serves as project manager of key donor relations initiatives on a one-time or annual basis,</li> <li>Partners with donor relations colleagues in creating and executing tasks in the annual donor recognition and engagement calendar,</li> <li>Serves as lead coordinator for select events hosted by (or in) the LSU Center of Philanthropy including scheduling, logistics; and building management as appropriate,</li> <li>Partners with donor relations colleagues to coordinate and manage architectural donor recognition for capital projects in service of the Foundation, the University, the Colleges and Units; and other LSU Campuses as needed,</li> <li>Organizes professional development opportunities for donor relations staff within the Foundation, the University, Colleges, Units; and Campuses,</li> <li>Assists with benchmarking and will have ownership of select initiatives for the areas of special events, stewardship and compliance, donor programs, donor engagement; and</li> <li>Supports the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services regarding high-level coordination of resources and special projects, as needed.</li> </ul> &nbsp;<br /><strong>MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES</strong>&nbsp; <ul> <li>Provides customer service support for donors and development colleagues</li> <li>Utilizes ticketing system,&nbsp;</li> <li>Serves as administrative lead for the Donor Relations Council,&nbsp;</li> <li>Participates in the Advance Development Council; and</li> <li>Manages one or more student worker(s).</li> </ul>
Requirements: <strong>REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS</strong>&nbsp; <ul> <li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree from an accredited college or university,</li> <li>A minimum of three years of experience in the nonprofit industry, higher education, development, stewardship, or a related field,</li> <li>Exceptional written, oral and interpersonal communication skills,</li> <li>Strong organizational and time management skills, and ease managing a varied workload in a deadline-driven environment,</li> <li>Attentiveness to detail,</li> <li>Extraordinary customer service,&nbsp;</li> <li>Creative and innovative with a desire to imagine and develop programs and initiatives aimed at improving the donor experience,</li> <li>High level of independence in accomplishing the responsibilities of the position; and</li> <li>The ability to represent the organization in a professional, positive manner</li> </ul> &nbsp;<br /><strong>PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS</strong>&nbsp; <ul> <li>Knowledge of database fundraising software,</li> <li>Master&rsquo;s degree in a related field of study; and</li> <li>Industry-specific experience in stewardship, compliance, donor relations, donor programs, donor engagement, marketing, communications, or special event management.</li> <li></li> </ul> &nbsp;<br /><strong>SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES</strong>&nbsp; <ul> <li>None.</li> </ul> &nbsp;<br /><strong>WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS</strong>&nbsp; <ul> <li>Will be required to work occasional extended workdays, evenings and weekends.</li> </ul>