Donor Relations and Strategic Events Coordinator

About the Position

The Library, Museums and Press at the University of Delaware is seeking an experienced and creative professional to join our External Relations, Communications and Donor Initiatives Team. The ideal candidate will lead donor stewardship, community engagement, and strategic event initiatives to advance the Library's mission and impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing donor stewardship efforts: Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgments of contributions. Perform routine stewardship tasks including preparing and sending acknowledgment letters, birthday, sympathy, get-well, and congratulatory cards.
• Manage projects and routine stewardship tasks: Work independently and collaboratively with the Director of External Relations and University partners on stewardship strategies and campaigns.
• Plan and execute strategic events: Coordinate logistics, communications, and partnerships for events ensuring alignment with Library, Museums and Press priorities. Track outcomes and feedback from events to inform continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison: Represent the Library, Museums and Press to alumni, donors, community partners, and the public. Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and key constituencies.
• Establish and manage a Library, Museums and Press Engagement Council: Develop its charge, define membership, recruit participants, and facilitate meetings and communications.
• Assist with other development, engagement, and external relations initiatives: As assigned by the Director of External Relations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in donor relations, community engagement, event management, development, or advancement.
• Demonstrated success in relationship-building, stewardship, and event-based engagement in higher education, a cultural institution, or nonprofit setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to balance strategic initiatives with routine stewardship tasks.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with CRM systems for donor tracking and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of University development, alumni relations, or advancement operations.
• Experience with community-based programming, public engagement, or volunteer management.
• Familiarity with library, museum, or cultural heritage organization operations.
• Understanding of University of Delaware policies and procedures.

We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
• Professional development opportunities.

About the Company

The University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press inspires the intellectual, scholarly, and creative achievement of our community. We are committed to diversity and fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces and opportunities where everyone has an equal opportunity to learn, create, and grow.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.