Donor Engagement Associate

VISION: Transform the university through the power of generosity.

MISSION: Unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of Oklahoma State University.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: The Advancement Operations team contributes to the mission by translating and operationalizing high level strategy to ensure consistency, clarity, and accountability through intentional partnership with all OSU Foundation departments.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Manage and execute donor engagement and acknowledgement activities that ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition, coordinated stewardship communications, effective reporting, and consistent donor experiences across unit-based giving initiatives and donor societies.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:
Donor Acknowledgement & Stewardship Communications-

• Manage the unit-based acknowledgement process to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent donor recognition across the OSU system.
• Partner with colleges and units to develop personalized donor acknowledgement letters and communications on behalf of Deans and unit leadership.
• Prepare and coordinate stewardship communications including letters, emails, and related donor correspondence.
• Complete and maintain relevant contact reports and stewardship documentation.
  
  

Donor Engagement Campaigns & Initiatives-

• Support and coordinate donor engagement initiatives and giving campaigns, including Giving Tuesday, Give Orange, crowdfunding projects, and unit academic mailers.
• Assist with stewardship outreach efforts designed to strengthen donor engagement and philanthropic participation.
• Coordinate award nomination processes that recognize donor impact and support donor engagement and stewardship efforts.
  
  

Stewardship Communications & Marketing Support-

• Coordinate, maintain, and distribute unit marketing materials that support donor engagement, stewardship efforts, and fundraising initiatives.
• Assist with communication efforts that ensure consistent donor-centered messaging across unit engagement activities and campaigns.
  
  

Giving Society Management-

• Coordinate and manage activities related to donor giving societies, including membership tracking, communications, recognition, and engagement efforts.

Other duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE:
Education & Certifications-

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing and communications, nonprofit management, humanities, or related fields preferred.
  
  

Experience-

• Minimum of 2-4 years of professional experience.
• Experience in non-profit, stewardship, or donor relations preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Sense of humor and experience having fun!

 

Organizational Competencies- 

• Effective Communication: Communicates well (written and verbal); exhibits exceptional listening skills, and is transparent through open dialog and informational sharing; seeks first to understand and assumes positive intent; deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner while conveying both good and bad news; avoids “telling themselves a story” and works to deploy crucial conversation communication techniques; shows the highest level of understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern with all interactions.
• Execution & Initiative: Demonstrates a high level of initiative on assignments; expresses interest in taking on more responsibilities and contributing to overall goals; proactively contributes to problem solving and pursues continuous improvement efforts at all times; takes responsibility to ensure that quality and timeliness of deliverables meets organizational and donor expectations; ensures work is accurate; delivers upon commitments while demonstrating integrity, stewardship of resources and service to OSU.
• Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Builds and maintains strong internal working relationships that promote open and honest communication; cares for others personally and professionally; values diversity and treats all individuals with respect and professionalism; demonstrates an open mind-set when presented with opportunities to learn about different culture, approaches or opinions; supports team efforts and makes the foundation a more enjoyable place to work.
• Problem Solving/Judgment: Seeks guidance and expert opinions in decision-making and planning process; gains understanding of how to apply approved policies and procedures; when and why escalation of issues is needed and to whom; responds appropriately and timely to issues; accepts responsibility for actions.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Committed to continuous improvement; adapts to change, is open to new ideas; takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs; shows ability to listen actively to different perspectives and consider alternate views based on new information; demonstrates self-control and remains productive during times of uncertainty.
• Courage & Conviction: Proactively takes responsibility for individual outcomes regardless of success, and learns from all results; demonstrates dedication to the principles of truth and honesty, even when the message may not be welcome; maintains confidentiality; supports company values, walks the talk; behaviors and actions are consistent with statements, values and beliefs; practices ethical decision making; has courage to try something new when encouraged by others; shows accountability and credibility by following through on commitments; receives constructive feedback from others and looks to continually improve.
• Donor Centered: Follows through with appropriate actions and/or information to meet the requests of donors; actively shares contacts and relationships with those who may have common goals or needs; embraces development and stewardship strategies that build relationships and respect the donors' interests, while balancing university priorities; solidifies personal relationships with mutual trust and fulfillment on commitments. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via video conferencing. Requires frequent repetitive motions when operating computers, telephones, and standard office equipment. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, or participating in events. This role includes traveling locally for meetings, and university events, which may include walking on campus and navigating varied environments.  Requires a valid driver's license. Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and donor engagement activities. Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds.