Associate Director, Donor Relations

Job Summary:

Responsible for managing donor relations program for the Division of Advancement. Design, coordinate and implement comprehensive donor relations strategic plans and processes, including donor and recognition events, marketing, working with development officers on individualized donor and gift recognition plans, as well as other initiatives to recognize and engage donors.

Essential Functions:

Donor events and recognition - Create, implement and manage donor recognition events and initiatives to enhance Advancement's overall engagement goals and ensure donors are recognized appropriately and in a timely manner.

Marketing/Communications - Collaborate with University Branding Office (or equivalent division) and Advancement colleagues to develop and execute donor and gift communication strategies and plans, including articles, stories, reports and videos, for acknowledgment and recognition purposes. Direct the development and implementation of donor communications in multiple mediums and in a timely fashion, including, but not limited to, social media sites, Advancement's website and e-blasts.

Processes - Collaborate with the Director, Stewardship to establish, implement and monitor policies and procedures for donor recognition, including naming protocols, donor loyalty programs and other initiatives to ensure appropriate and consistent recognition of donor and gifts. This position will also oversee adherence to the department’s acknowledgment process by developing and maintaining a reporting mechanism to verify compliance and ensure standards are consistently met.

Donor management - manage a portfolio of alumni and friends who require ongoing donor relations and stewardship activities and reporting.

Data - Establish parameters and maintain data to monitor impact of donor relations activities.

Project management - Assist with special and ongoing projects for the Director, Stewardship and the Vice President, Advancement, and other duties as assigned

Additional Position Information:

Education:

Requires a relevant bachelor's degree.

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

None

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in fundraising or special event planning is preferred, ideally within a higher education setting. Other relevant experience will also be considered, such as sales or customer service. Candidates must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Leadership:

May be responsible for directing and monitoring the work of student and/or temporary workers.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application, provide 3 references and attach your resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on May 14, 2026.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Email:

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

All About UA

The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education.

The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches.

As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems.

We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders.

For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page.

Benefits

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.