Foundation Director directs the execution of the vision, strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and grantmaking operations that support the overall objectives of a foundation. Defines the goals and tactics for fundraising campaigns and program initiatives. Being a Foundation Director represents the foundation to the public and media to communicate its mission, values, and accomplishments. Maintains positive relationships with foundation stakeholders, including the board of directors, grantees, community leaders, donors, and prospective donors. Additionally, Foundation Director oversees grantmaking operations, including developing grant guidelines, reviewing grant applications, and managing the grant evaluation process. Manages foundation programs and initiatives that align with the foundation's mission and values. Implements systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the foundation's grantmaking and programs. Ensures all foundation activities comply with applicable laws, reporting requirements, and regulations. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. The Foundation Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Foundation Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
POSITION INFORMATION
Title: Director of Donor Relations
Division: Development
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Starting Annual Salary: $90,000.00 commensurate with experience
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Donor Relations will provide leadership, vision and strategic planning for donor stewardship initiatives by building a premier, comprehensive donor recognition program to strengthen existing donor commitment to the University of Hawai‘i (UH) and forge new relationships to build visibility, impact and financial resources. This position will plan and execute stewardship and cultivation strategic initiatives, donor outreach and communications, donor recognition, acknowledgements, and stewardship plan reports.
The Director will serve as the liaison with senior leadership regarding donor gifts and developing stewardship plans for top donors. This individual will collaborate closely with all UH Foundation (UHF) divisional teams and UH partners, to maintain donor relations standards and donor-centric programming across all areas of the University system.
In November 2023, UH Foundation launched the public phase of their comprehensive campaign, For UH For Hawai‘i, with a goal of $1 billion. The Director will play a critical role in the success of the campaign by partnering with development staff to reinforce with donors, UHF’s appreciation for philanthropic support. The Director will help sustain positive relationships with donors and build a competitive edge for the University in its fundraising efforts through donor engagement and recognition communications.
Key responsibilities include assuring that donors are thanked in appropriate, distinctive, visible, and memorable ways; informed about how their gifts are being used; involved in the life of the university and the Foundation; and motivated to continue their support. The ideal candidate will be innovative and strategic, with a deep understanding of the hallmarks of excellent donor stewardship: showing appreciation for their gifts, building continuous relationships, learning about the unique interests of each donor, and creating opportunities to keep them engaged with the Foundation and University.
REPORTS TO
Associate Vice President, Gift Planning & Donor Development
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
EVALUATION
The Director will meet annually with their supervisor to put a strategic plan in place for the year. At the end of each year, the Director and their supervisor will review progress toward the annual goals.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, including 3 years managing a team in donor relations and/or fundraising/development.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Based at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center at 1810 University Avenue, Suite 300, Honolulu, HI, 96822, the Director of Donor Relations will work primarily in an office environment and will need to sit or stand for extended periods while either working at a computer, attending a meeting, or performing desk work. Employee must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record or have an acceptable mode of transportation. The employee will need to work some weekends and evenings and be able to work to the demands of the position, which may exceed a 40-hour work week.