Job Description:
Blackburn College is seeking an experienced fundraising and donor relations professional to serve as our Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving during an exciting period of growth for the College. The Director will help build on this momentum by strengthening donor relationships, enhancing stewardship efforts, and expanding Blackburn’s planned giving program. Blackburn has experienced a multi-year enrollment surge, including a 19% increase in new freshman students over the prior year and a 39% increase in enrollment since fall 2024. The College also achieved record-breaking fundraising results last year, reflecting the strength and generosity of the Blackburn community. At the heart of this momentum is Blackburn’s commitment to expanding access, affordability, and opportunity. Thirty-six percent of Blackburn students are first-generation college students, 63% receive Pell Grants, and 40% represent racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
About the Position:
Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving will develop and lead a comprehensive donor stewardship program designed to strengthen donor relationships, increase donor retention, and encourage future giving. The Director will oversee donor stewardship and recognition programs, gift acknowledgments, donor impact reporting, and other initiatives that create meaningful connections between donors and the impact of their support. The Director will also serve as Blackburn’s primary resource for planned giving, building relationships with planned giving prospects and members of the Heritage Society, Blackburn’s legacy giving society. Through donor engagement, educational outreach, and collaboration with colleagues across Institutional Advancement, the Director will help grow Blackburn’s planned giving program and strengthen the College’s long-term philanthropic future.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop donor communications that demonstrate the impact of philanthropic support and Blackburn’s continued momentum.
Oversee gift acknowledgment, donor recognition, stewardship, and impact-reporting programs.
Build and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, planned giving prospects, and Heritage Society members.
Develop marketing and communication strategies that educate alumni and friends about legacy giving opportunities and encourage future giving.
Collaborate with Institutional Advancement colleagues to incorporate planned giving opportunities into donor conversations and cultivation strategies.
Manage stewardship reporting for endowed and restricted funds and collaborate with campus partners to help ensure funds are used according to donor intent.
Monitor donor retention, engagement, and stewardship efforts and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
At least three years of direct experience in a nonprofit fundraising environment preferred, particularly experience with donor stewardship or recognition programs.
Excellent written, verbal, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively with a wide range of constituents.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new software systems; experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and/or ADAVICO is preferred.
Flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends for College and Institutional Advancement events.
Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.
Commitment to Blackburn College’s mission and an appreciation for the transformative impact of a liberal arts education and the College’s nationally recognized Work Program.
Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
About Blackburn College:
Blackburn College is a private, residential liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois. Blackburn is nationally recognized for its student-centered mission, strong sense of community, and distinctive Work Program, which provides students with meaningful leadership and employment experiences as they pursue their degrees. Blackburn College features a robust benefits package. For additional information, please visit https://blackburn.edu/about/administrative-offices/human-resources/ and click on the Employee Benefits Summary Tab. Blackburn College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to build an inclusive community that can engage the interests of a diverse population. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and sustaining a culture that reflects the diversity of our country, and as such we particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans, and those with disabilities. Employment-based immigration sponsorship is not offered for this position. Phone calls or walk-ins not accepted. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position has been filled.
