Position: Manager of Donor Relations

Department: Development & Alumni Relations

Location: Caroline Saltonstall Building, Milton Academy Campus, Milton, MA

Hours: Full-time with the flexibility to work nights and weekends

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Classification: Staff (12-month)

Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located south of Boston.

Milton Academy cultivates in its students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Embracing diversity and the pursuit of excellence, we create a community in which individuals develop competence, confidence and character. Our active learning environment, in and out of the classroom, develops creative and critical thinkers, unafraid to express their ideas, prepared to seek meaningful lifetime success and to live by our motto,
Dare to be true.”

Summary of Position

The Manager of Donor Relations is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive stewardship program with a focus on major and principal donors that delivers exceptional donor experiences, deepens engagement, and inspires increased giving. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development (EDOD), and functioning as a key part of the Major Gifts team, the ideal candidate will bring creativity, and a donor-centric mindset to elevate how we steward, recognize, and communicate with our most generous and supportive donors–key elements that are central to the school’s strategic mission.

This position offers an opportunity to shape the donor journey during a pivotal moment in the school's trajectory, with a focus on scaling personalized, high-impact experiences in support of a future campaign.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Building on a robust suite of existing initiatives, create and implement a comprehensive stewardship program for major, principal and planned giving donors ($100K+), including personalized touchpoints, donor recognition, and impact statements.

• Serve as a thought partner to the Chief Advancement Officer, EDOD, and Major Gifts team to align donor experience strategy with major and principal solicitations, campaign readiness, and annual philanthropy goals.

• Conceptualize and execute high-touch, personalized donor experiences including communications, meaningful gifts, and digital engagement, that make donors feel deeply connected to the school’s mission and impact. Work closely with the communications, events, and data teams to deliver consistent, branded donor experiences across channels.

• In partnership with Advancement Operations, craft all gift acknowledgements and occasion-based outreach, ensuring meaningful expressions of gratitude that reflect the school’s values and voice.

• Develop accurate and timely donor reports, including endowed fund market value reports, endowed fund impact reports, grant reports, and online impact sites, using print, digital, and multimedia tools. Track status and deadlines for existing and new named endowed funds to ensure timely reporting.

• Create and oversee campus-wide capital gift recognition, space naming, and donor signage programs, tracking existing and new namings and managing signage production and installation, ensuring accuracy and consistency in recognition.

• Collaborate closely with the events team to execute customized donor recognition events for major and principal donors, including naming/endowed faculty chair ceremonies, unveilings, ribbon-cuttings and other events.

• Partner with campus colleagues (academic departments, business office, athletics) to generate content that promotes the importance and impact of philanthropy at Milton.

• Ensure consistency and excellence in the execution of donor-facing experiences, from handwritten notes and student thank-yous to milestone recognitions and stewardship reports.

• Leverage data and donor feedback to analyze and refine engagement strategies and measure success.

• Other duties as assigned.

General A&D Team Responsibilities

• Build community and foster a culture of philanthropy with alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff, utilizing development best practices.

• Generate ideas and impactful content in support of external and donor communications.

• Provide alumni and parent customer service; take responsibility for listening, identifying issues, and working with management on how best to respond.

• Support colleagues nearing major deadlines.

• Proactively and collaboratively support office administrative needs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision to be received: Reports to the Executive Director of Development.

Supervision to be exercised: There are no direct reports for this position; however, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues and other departments is critical.

Education/Certification/Licensure

Required: A bachelor’s degree

Preferred: A master’s degree

Experience

Required: A minimum of five years of development experience, with at least

three in donor relations

Preferred: Experience in development at an educational institution or
non-profit

Experience working in an independent boarding / day school

Competencies

Required:

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced work environment with minimal supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated computer expertise, including proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Raiser’s Edge, Airtable and report writing. Ability to learn and adapt to new technology and communication systems.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.

• Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.

• Receptive to supervision and professional development.

• Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community.

Physical Abilities

Required:

• Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.

• Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

Milton Academy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any category protected by federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, citizenship or national or ethnic origin.