Donor Relations Associate

Description:

Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Assistant Director of Donor Relations & Events to join its Development and Alumni Relations team. This role is responsible for managing stewardship initiatives and donor-related events that enhance engagement with donors, alumni, and volunteers. Reporting to the Director of Development, the position requires an individual capable of handling complex projects independently while collaborating with fundraisers, leadership, and other university offices to ensure impactful engagement and event strategies.

The Assistant Director will oversee donor relations programs, acknowledgements, and event planning that promote meaningful relationships between the Peabody Institute and its philanthropic community. The role combines creativity, strategic planning, and operational excellence to strengthen the Peabody Institute’s donor stewardship efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and implement stewardship programs for donors at all giving levels.

• Develop individualized stewardship plans for major, principal, and leadership donors.

• Draft and prepare sophisticated written donor correspondence, including letters, reports, and recognition materials.

• Manage and track stewardship cases and provide ongoing communication to donors regarding the impact of their contributions.

• Utilize the CRM database to maintain donor records, generate reports, and analyze data.

• Establish and monitor key metrics and dashboards to measure the performance of advisory boards and volunteer programs.

• Partner with the Office of Advancement Services to ensure accurate volunteer coding, tracking, and reporting in JHAS.

• Develop and oversee production of personalized stewardship materials, such as publications and recognition plaques.

• Manage the gift acknowledgment process, ensuring timely and personalized correspondence from deans and leadership.

• Lead the planning, organization, and execution of donor engagement and recognition events, coordinating logistics, venues, budgets, and vendor contracts.

• Oversee the annual scholarship reporting process, compiling donor and student information for impact reports.

• Coordinate donor signage across the institute, including plaques and naming recognitions.

• Support grant reporting and impact measurement by compiling and synthesizing faculty and program data.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, donor relations, event planning, or related field.

• Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to produce professional correspondence.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising.

• Proficiency with event platforms such as Cvent, Constant Contact, EventBrite, Social Tables, or Bananatag.

• Familiarity with Zoom Meetings & Webinars, with ability to manage technical hosting for virtual events.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to staff events and performances.

Schedule and Work Environment:

• Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

• Hybrid work model, with in-person requirements for events and meetings.

• Some nights and weekends required for Peabody performances and donor functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Annual Salary Range: $46,200 – $80,799 (Target: $62,000 per year).

• Equivalent Monthly Range: $3,850 – $6,733 (Target: $5,166 per month).

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans (401k), paid time off, and university tuition support.

• Additional information on total rewards can be found at hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Johns Hopkins University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The university provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.