Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Stewardship Officer provides strategic leadership for stewardship and donor engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships with The Cooper Union's major, principal, and transformational donors and prospects. Reporting directly to the Vice President, the position exercises independent judgment in developing stewardship strategies, preparing high-level donor communications, initiating unique memento and design ideas, recommending personalized engagement opportunities, and leading special projects that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy. Working collaboratively across the institution, the Senior Stewardship Officer helps ensure that Cooper's most significant philanthropic relationships are cultivated through meaningful, creative, and mission-centered engagement. This position supports, through actions and conduct, The Cooper Union mission and vision, and helps to build and maintain a productive departmental culture and performance outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
   Develop and implement individualized stewardship strategies for major, principal, and transformational donors and prospects.

   Drafting and finalizing endowment reports, donor impact reports, stewardship updates, presidential correspondence, and other customized donor communications.

   Recommend and lead strategic stewardship initiatives, including milestone recognition, naming opportunities, donor experiences, unique memento, and special engagement projects.

   Advise the Vice President and President on stewardship opportunities that strengthen long-term donor relationships and philanthropic investment.

   Collaborate with Development Operations, the Office of the President, the Office of Communications, faculty, students, and fundraising colleagues to develop compelling stewardship content and experiences.

   Exercise independent judgment in managing multiple stewardship projects while establishing priorities, timelines, and recommended approaches.
     
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS
   5-plus years of non-profit, education, or fundraising experience focused on donor relations, stewardship, advancement, communications, alumni relations, or a related field.
   Exceptional time management and organizational skills with sharp attention to detail.
   Excellent persuasive writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
   Fluency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
   Comfort in database research activities (Tessitura, Slate, Raiser’s Edge, Tableau, etc.)
   Propriety, thoughtfulness, and discretion.
   Understanding of fundraising and relationship management in a higher education context.
   Appreciation for The Cooper Union mission and ethos.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree required.
Master’s degree preferred.
Annual salary range -$52,000–$54,000
Required Materials: Resume, two references, and a cover letter (not to exceed two pages)
This is a non-union position.

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email materials to: hr@cooper.edu

Required Materials: Resume, two references, and a cover letter (not to exceed two pages)