Director of Donor Engagement

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Job Description Summary

The Director of Donor Engagement is a key member of the Office of Advancement and plays a central role in fostering meaningful, long-term relationships between Ringling College of Art and Design and its donors. This position designs, leads, and evaluates a comprehensive donor engagement strategy that enhances stewardship, strengthens donor loyalty, and supports the College’s philanthropic priorities. The Director ensures that every donor—individual, corporate, and foundation—experiences exceptional connection, appreciation, and accountability.

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and similar or related tasks may be assigned as necessary. Management reserves the right to assign additional duties as required.

Donor Engagement Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship plan aligned with the College priorities and Advancement goals.
• Create multi-tiered engagement pathways for donors at every giving level, from annual donors to major and principal gift supporters.
• Partner with the Vice President for Advancement and Advancement leadership to integrate donor engagement strategies across fundraising, alumni relations, and communications.

Stewardship & Impact Reporting

• Oversee stewardship deliverables, including scholarship connections, endowment statements, annual stewardship reports, impact stories, named space acknowledgments, and recognition programs.
• Manage the creation of compelling donor communications that demonstrate the impact of giving—print, digital, video, and event-based.
• Work with Advancement Services to ensure timely and accurate acknowledgment processes, including gift receipts, personalized thank-you messages, and leadership-level correspondence.
• Maintain a stewardship calendar to ensure consistent touchpoints for key donors.

Events & Experiences

• Lead the planning and execution of donor-focused events and experiences—campus tours, recognition gatherings, small-group engagements, and impact showcases.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to produce high-quality experiences that highlight the creative excellence of Ringling College.
• Oversee donor recognition programs, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and visibility across the College.
• Partner with Ringling College community programs, including Sarasota Art Museum, TOWN HALL Speaker Series, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and Galleries and Exhibitions, to develop innovative recognition concepts that reflect the College’s artistic mission.
• Implement cross-campus partnerships and collaborations that ensure Ringling College donors are recognized across all programs
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications, faculty, Student Life, and Financial Aid to gather stories, outcomes, and student impact examples.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services to ensure data accuracy and reporting needs for stewardship and engagement.

Management & Supervision

• Supervise the Assistant Director for Events and Engagement and the Donor Engagement Officer, who oversee fundraising events, donor communications, stewardship reporting, and engagement activities.
• Provide guidance, professional development, and clear performance goals to team members.
• Manage data, tracking and reporting.
• Oversee tracking of donor interactions, stewardship requirements, and engagement outcomes in CRM systems.
• Analyze engagement metrics and donor feedback to strengthen strategies and increase donor retention and upgrade rates.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Note: The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are representative but not exhaustive. Candidates may be expected to demonstrate additional competencies relevant to the role. Meeting the listed qualifications does not guarantee job placement or advancement.

• Demonstrated experience creating donor-centered communications and impact reports.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a creative, fast-paced environment.
• Creative, strategic thinker with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional donor experiences.
• A deep appreciation for the mission of the College and the role of philanthropy in student success.

Education and Experience

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five years of experience in donor relations, engagement, or fundraising.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge and Tessitura) and data tracking best practices.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree.
• Donor relations, engagement or fundraising experience in higher education, arts institutions or nonprofits.

Ringling College of Art and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The College provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to sex, age, gender, color, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.