Assistant Director of Donor Relations

Company: University of the Pacific
Location: Stockton
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Primary Purpose The Assistant Director of Donor Relations is an important partner in the strategic management of University of the Pacific’s relationships with its donors and is a key collaborator with the development division and university partners. The assistant director designs and implements a portfolio of programming focused on donor recognition, engagement and retention. The position is primarily responsible for communicating gratitude and impact, envisioning creative ways to thank donors and illustrating how their philanthropy changes lives and furthers the mission of the university. Essential Functions Oversees three donor recognition societies: Heritage Society, 1851 Society, and Pacific Loyal. Manages all aspects of program administration, including new member welcome processes; membership roster maintenance; design and execution of annual programming calendar; and consistent evaluation of donor experience and needs. Manages first-time donor recognition, ensuring routine timely completion of first year stewardship touchpoints. Refreshes and adapts programming as needed. Collaborates to design and execute annual giving day stewardship plan. Serves as creative lead for special recognition projects. Develops, manages, and executes project activities and timelines. Liaises with annual giving to ensure well-coordinated solicitation and stewardship plans for recognition society members and other annual giving donors. Collaborates on broad-based impact reporting. Participates in developing messaging and creative concepts to convey the impact of gifts through various channels and mediums. Plans and executes student gratitude events. Will curate grateful student content (videos, thank-you notes, etc.), and build a roster of students interested in generating such content. and philanthropy education programs. Works with division partners to plan and staff donor events. Participates in program planning, coaches student participants, and prepares supporting materials as needed. Responds to special needs and requests from donors and from the VP Development. Performs other related duties as assigned. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree. Three (3) years of experience in fundraising, marketing or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated success administering donor stewardship programs and enhancing stewardship practices Working knowledge of fundraising principles and experience integrating stewardship at appropriate stages and levels. Excellent written and verbal communication skills Exceptional customer service focus and orientation (event planning experience a plus) Strong organizational, project management and time management skills Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks. Microsoft Excel proficiency and an aptitude for handling large quantities of data Experience using CRM systems. Raiser’s Edge NXT experience a plus Strong interpersonal skills: tact, self-confidence, diplomacy, teamwork, good judgment, and confidentiality A strong collaborator and self-starter, comfortable working independently and in teams and forging relationships with various constituencies. Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion. Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting. Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Keywords: University of the Pacific, Merced , Assistant Director of Donor Relations, Design, Graphic Design & CAD , Stockton, California