Manager/ Senior Manager (Stewardship) (Contract) - #1162195

About The Role

The Office of Advancement & Development is seeking a strategic and dedicated Manager (Stewardship) to lead and elevate the institution’s donor stewardship efforts.

This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that donors at all levels feel valued, well-informed, and meaningfully connected to the impact of their philanthropy. The Manager will lead the strategy and execution of donor stewardship across the university, developing robust stewardship frameworks, overseeing donor recognition programmes, and collaborating closely with fundraisers, leadership, faculty, and volunteers to deliver high-quality donor experiences that foster trust and long-term engagement.

What You Will Do

1. Stewardship Strategy & Framework

• Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship strategy to enhance donor retention and long-term loyalty.

• Design tailored stewardship journeys for principal, major, and annual donors.

• Establish stewardship standards, processes, and templates to ensure consistency and excellence across the organisation.

2. Donor Recognition & Impact Reporting

• Oversee the production of donor reports, including endowed fund reports, annual stewardship reports, and project-specific updates.

• Manage donor recognition initiatives such as donor wall, naming opportunities, digital recognition, and special acknowledgements.

• Partner with Finance, academic units, and project teams to ensure accurate reporting of fund utilisation and donor impact.

3. Events & Engagement

• Lead the planning and execution of stewardship and appreciation events, including recognition receptions, milestone celebrations, and personalised donor visits.

• Collaborate with fundraisers to ensure donor engagements are meaningful, personalised, and aligned with donor expectations.

4. Content Development & Communications

• Develop compelling stewardship content, including donor letters, impact stories, case updates, and tailored acknowledgements.

• Ensure all stewardship materials reflect the institution’s brand, tone, and strategic priorities.

5. Data, Reporting & Governance

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of stewardship activities within the Donor Management System.

• Track stewardship deliverables and deadlines, and prepare regular reports for senior leadership.

• Ensure compliance with gift agreements, donor intent, and financial reporting requirements.

6. Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with fundraising colleagues to align stewardship efforts with donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.

• Provide stewardship and communications counsel to senior leadership, faculty, and key institutional stakeholders.

Who We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree

• At least 5 years of experience in donor stewardship, events/project management, communications, or related fields

• Track record in donor relations, stewardship reporting, events management or relationship management will be an advantage

• Experience producing donor reports, recognition materials, or impact narratives.

• Familiarity with CRM systems and data management practices

• Experience in higher education or non-profit sector preferred