Stewardship and Recognition Associate Director

Organizational Relationships:

Responsible to the Senior Director-Stewardship and Recognition and Executive Director-Stewardship and Recognition. Collaborates closely with Department of Development leadership, physician and administrative leaders, Development professionals, Mayo Clinic benefactors and external vendors. 

Position Overview: (Major Functions and Non-Essential Functions): 

The Stewardship and Recognition Associate Director will develop and implement benefactor relations strategies for stewardship and recognition activities to carry forward the mission and vision of advancing fundraising for Mayo Clinic. This position will work collaboratively across the enterprise and manage the day-to-day execution of multiple stewardship initiatives, with a strong focus on project management. Based on the assigned portfolio, project management abilities will be needed to coordinate programs to recognize benefactors, express Mayo Clinic’s appreciation, and report philanthropic impact. Ensures an exceptional philanthropic experience and strong programmatic stewardship and recognition at scale, based on the assigned portfolio. Broadens the reach and impact of stewardship and recognition by developing and executing creative, scalable approaches, including personalized and meaningful digital touchpoints.

This role requires strong project management abilities, including leading complex projects and initiatives, identifying and engaging key stakeholders, and navigating ambiguous environments. Coordinates programs that recognize benefactors, express Mayo Clinic’s appreciation, and clearly communicate the impact of philanthropic support through compelling reports and experiences. Serves as a liaison to assigned fundraising initiatives, internal and external advisory groups, institutional committees, and interdisciplinary work teams to promote an enterprise and Development perspective. Pursues and implements innovative ideas in partnership with supporting teams. Leads process improvement work groups to ensure stewardship and recognition activities operate effectively and efficiently.
Serves as a knowledge expert and interprets and clarifies activities within their assigned portfolio of responsibilities for staff internal and external to Development. May facilitate cumulative giving programs, benefactor gift opportunities, proposal planning, stewardship site visits, special events, and supports gift implementation and monitoring. Serves as a resource to colleagues in and outside of the Department of Development related to portfolio areas of support. The Stewardship and Recognition Associate Director facilitates gift implementation and is responsible for monitoring gift usage. Initiates stewardship and recognition plans for large gifts and manages the production of creative and compelling stewardship impact reports. Collaborates to establish policies and procedures to ensure benefactor intent is upheld, compliance with pledge and gift agreements is maintained, and standards of excellence are met. 

Minimum Education and/or Experience Required: (Education Requirements and Experience):

Bachelor's degree required plus three years of experience in donor relations, communications or marketing required. Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising required. 

Additional Experience and/or Qualifications: (Has Achieved Competency in the Following Areas, Job Knowledge and Additional Considerations):

Requires excellent oral and written communication skills; professional writing experience preferred. Experience executing innovative digital stewardship touchpoints and familiarity with digital stewardship tools are preferred. Must be capable of working collaboratively in a complex, consensus-style operation that expects and promotes teamwork. Must have demonstrated competencies in leadership and project management. Must be able to develop strategies for publications, reports, and process improvement, and advise other colleagues as they build and adopt best practices. Must possess the ability to synthesize and interpret complex business, financial, medical, and research information for internal and external audiences. Must have strong analytical abilities to continuously improve program outcomes and provide accurate proposals and financial reports to benefactors. Must be able to represent Mayo professionally when working with prospects and benefactors and maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Manages time effectively and maintains flexibility to work around tight timelines, which may require work outside of standard business hours.