Donor Relations and Strategic Events Coordinator

Job title: Donor Relations and Strategic Events Coordinator

About the Role The Donor Relations and Strategic Events Coordinator leads donor stewardship, community engagement and strategic event initiatives to advance the Library, Museums and Press. Reporting to the Director of External Relations, Communications and Development Initiatives, this role serves as the primary point of contact for community and external partners, and develops and manages the Library, Museums and Press Engagement Council of alumni, donors, faculty, students and community members. The role balances strategic work with routine stewardship tasks such as sending acknowledgment letters and congratulatory cards.

What You'll Do

• Lead ongoing donor stewardship, ensuring timely and meaningful acknowledgments of contributions; perform routine tasks such as preparing and sending acknowledgment letters, birthday, sympathy, get-well and congratulatory cards; maintain accurate and confidential donor records in the University’s CRM.
• Work independently to manage projects and routine stewardship tasks, collaborating with the Director of External Relations and University partners on stewardship strategies and campaigns; ensure colleagues across the Library, Museums and Press engage in consistent engagement practices.
• Lead the planning and execution of strategic events including donor cultivation and recognition gatherings, stewardship events and division-wide events; coordinate logistics, communications and partnerships; track outcomes and feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison for community and external engagement inquiries, representing the Library, Museums and Press to alumni, donors, community partners and the public; build and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Establish and manage a Library, Museums and Press Engagement Council including developing its charge, defining membership, recruiting participants and facilitating meetings and communications.
• Assist with other development, engagement and external relations initiatives as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in donor relations, community engagement, event management, development or advancement.
• Demonstrated success in relationship-building, stewardship and event-based engagement in higher education, a cultural institution or nonprofit setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to balance strategic initiatives with routine stewardship tasks; proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with CRM systems for donor tracking and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of University development, alumni relations or advancement operations.
• Experience with community-based programming, public engagement or volunteer management.
• Familiarity with library, museum or cultural heritage organization operations.
• Understanding of University of Delaware policies and procedures.

Compensation & Benefits Total Rewards benefits and Compensation Estimator and Pay Grade: 30E.