Senior Director of Stewardship and Events

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Position Details

Position Description

Position Title: Senior Director of Stewardship and Events
Department: Development and University Relations (DUR)
Reports To: Executive Vice President for Advancement
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Stewardship and Events provides strategic leadership for donor stewardship and advancement-related events at the University of Tampa. This role is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive stewardship program that ensures meaningful donor engagement, recognition, and impact reporting, while also overseeing a portfolio of high-profile events that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, and institutional priorities.

As a senior member of the Advancement leadership team, the Senior Director partners closely with development officers, alumni relations, university leadership, and campus stakeholders to strengthen donor relationships, reinforce philanthropic culture, and enhance the overall donor experience.

Key Responsibilities

Stewardship Strategy and Donor Engagement

• Develop and lead a comprehensive, donor-centered stewardship strategy aligned with UTampa’s advancement goals and campaign priorities.

• Ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment, recognition, and reporting for donors at all levels.

• Oversee the creation and distribution of donor impact reports, stewardship communications, and recognition materials that clearly demonstrate the outcomes of philanthropy.

• Partner with major, principal, corporate, and planned giving teams to customize stewardship plans for top donors and prospects.

• Serve as a key advisor to advancement leadership on best practices in donor relations and stewardship.

Events Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic oversight and direction for advancement-related events, including donor recognition events, cultivation events, campaign milestones, presidential events, and signature university functions.

• Ensure events are purpose-driven, aligned with fundraising and engagement objectives, and reflective of UTampa’s brand and values.

• Collaborate with development officers to integrate events into donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.

• Oversee event planning logistics, timelines, budgets, vendors, and post-event evaluation to ensure excellence and continuous improvement.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and manage stewardship and events staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

• Establish clear goals, workflows, and metrics for the stewardship and events team.

• Work cross-functionally with Alumni Relations, Communications and Marketing, Athletics, Academic leadership, and other campus partners to ensure cohesive engagement efforts.

Data, Reporting, and Compliance

• Ensure stewardship practices align with donor intent, gift agreements, and institutional policies.

• Collaborate with Advancement Services to maintain accurate stewardship records and recognition data in the CRM system.

• Track and analyze stewardship and event metrics to assess effectiveness and inform strategy.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in donor stewardship, advancement events, development, or a related field, preferably in higher education or a complex nonprofit environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading donor-centered stewardship programs and managing high-level events.

• Proven ability to manage and motivate staff and work effectively across teams.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

• Familiarity with donor relations best practices, recognition societies, and impact reporting.

• Experience working with senior leadership, boards, and high-capacity donors.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution

• Relationship-building and collaboration

• Donor-centric mindset

• Leadership and team development

• Organizational excellence and attention to detail

Submission Guidelines

To receive full consideration for employment with The University of Tampa, please be sure to submit/upload required documents for this position at time of application submission.  Required documents should be submitted in the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application.

Background Check Requirements

Finalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check. Some positions may also require a motor vehicle report and/or a credit report.

Additional Information

This description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not to determine specific duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Essential functions and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific task assigned to the position.