Senior Director, Donor Relations - Job Number 201105240633

UC Riverside is ranked among the top 50 best public universities in the nation (US News & World Report 2011), is the premier research university in Inland Southern California and is one of its largest employers. UCR is part of the world renowned and prestigious University of California (UC) system.

Within this exciting environment, University Advancement is responsible for promoting public awareness of UCR's groundbreaking work, generating financial resource assistance and assisting the university's stakeholders. The Senior Director of Donor Relations, reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development, will design, develop, implement, manage, and evaluate a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program to maximize and appropriately acknowledge and recognize donors at all levels and increase the likelihood of future giving and support. S/He manages programs and activities designed to maintain and cultivate a long-term, quality relationship with donors and volunteers that leads to deepening commitment and philanthropic support. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring those programs are conducted according to the highest standards of professionalism and each activity contributes to University and University Advancement goals. Additionally, the Senior Director works closely with the colleges, schools and units to develop, implement, and evaluate a campus-wide reporting program of endowments including reporting protocols and processes.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Five to seven years experience of progressively responsible professional experience in development, donor relations, alumni relations and/or communications.
Hands on experience in marketing, public relations, product rollout and promotion or event production will be strongly considered.
Extensive experience with crafting, presenting and sharing a message in an imaginative and creative way that is part of a well-orchestrated process for building and strengthening relationships with constituents.
A well-developed understanding of fundraising and a demonstrable knowledge of creative event production, communications, and marketing in a University setting.
Prior experience in planning and executing communications and marketing support for a comprehensive fund raising campaign, preferably for a college or university.
Strong organizational skills, including a commitment to and track record in both strategic and operational planning Ability to coordinate and implement initiatives that deepen the level of understanding of and commitment to the institution.
Ability to work effectively with volunteers, colleagues and senior administrators.
Ability to establish measurable goals and objectives and develop and implement strategies to achieve them.
Demonstrated understanding of the importance of donor relations and stewardship to a successful fund raising program.
Ability to multi task with numerous concurrent projects.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse and high-level group of individuals in a diplomatic and professional manner. Possess traits of good judgment, confidentiality and discretion in communicating with colleagues and constituents.
Strong commitment to customer service and open communication.
Resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to problems and initiative in presenting alternatives. Skill in implementing solutions to ensure effective change.
Ability to anticipate problems and take necessary action to eliminate or mitigate potential negative effects.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with Advancement, faculty, and staff to achieve defined goals.
Use of initiative to organize and follow through with complex tasks to meet deadlines.
Use of a personal computer and computer software programs at a high level of sophistication. Proven ability to use MS Office Suite and database programs.
Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with the Internet and how to conduct searches.
Hired candidate must successfully complete a background check through the Department of Justice.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing professional-level staff members.

Additional Information
In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history and culture. UCR gives every student the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

At UC Riverside we celebrate diversity and are proud of our #4 ranking among the nation for most diverse universities (US News and World Report 2011). Become part of a place that fosters success for all its constituents, students, faculty, and staff, and where work/life balance and campus culture are integral to our way of life.

UCR is ranked 41st among top public universities (US News and World Report 2011) and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, with a commitment to workforce diversity.

For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview