Donor Engagement, Retention Campaign Manager

Department: Donor Engagement
Reports to: Associate Director, Annual Giving
FLSA Status: Exempt
 
The anticipated salary for this position starts at $62,000+. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.
 
Who we are and what we’re about:
KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.
 
What we are looking for:

The Retention Campaign Manager leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of KU Endowments’ signature Donor Giving Societies and Reminder programs. This role ensures a high impact, engaging experience for donors, alumni, and campus partners while driving philanthropic support across the university. The Manager integrates creativity, strategy, and operational excellence to deliver a seamless, donor-centered campaign.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.
 
Hybrid Work Environment: 

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 
 
What’s a typical day look like?

• In partnership with the Associate Director, develop and implement comprehensive engagement strategies for leadership annual giving donors, including acquisition initiatives to attract new high-capacity donors and retention strategies to deepen existing donor relationships.
• Plan and execute campaigns, and outreach initiatives that enhance donor satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term giving.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships, including event vendors, technology partners, and external service providers to ensure seamless campaign execution.
• Collaborate with Brand Communications and Business Intelligence, to ensure smooth marketing execution and consistent messaging.
• Partner with Gift Processing, Information Systems, and technical teams to guarantee seamless platform functionality and accurate donor transaction management.
• Collaborate with Development Directors and DXOs to ensure 1:1 donor engagement is coordinated and effective.
• Track and analyze donor engagement data to inform strategies and report on outcomes.
• Serve as a strategic partner to campus units, to support and ensure a cohesive, donor-centered experience across all touchpoints.
• Support the stewardship and recognition of annual donors to encourage continued and increased giving.
• Continuously evaluate engagement strategies and programs, integrating best practices and data insights to optimize retention, and overall donor experience.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Four years’ experience of diversified office and customer service experience with a preference in higher education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, specifically Office Word and Excel.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with ability to engage donors at a high level.
• Strategic thinking and program management skills, including planning, executing, and assessing initiatives.
• Data literacy to analyze engagement trends and inform decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, data segmentation, performance tracking tools and other technical platforms relevant to donor engagement.
• Experience in and with Sales Force and Sales Force Marketing Cloud.
• Skilled in process improvement, workflow optimization, and establishing best practices.
• Strong technical acumen, with the ability to learn and leverage new tools and technologies to enhance campaign effectiveness.
• Commitment to a donor-centered approach.

• Experience in and with Sales Force and Sales Force Marketing Cloud.

• A valid driver’s license.  
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities. 
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards. 
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. 
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively. 
• Physical effort/lifting: moderate-up to 40 pounds 
• Rare travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the job.  

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking