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Posting Details

Job Title Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Events

Department OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT-C/W

Position Number FP492A

Location Norfolk, VA

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Events supports Old Dominion University’s philanthropic goals by planning and executing donor-focused events, coordinating stewardship activities, and enhancing donor communications. The Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Events is expected to bring creativity and innovation to all aspects of donor engagement — from concepting meaningful event experiences to designing fresh approaches to donor recognition and communication. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the University’s advancement activities remain dynamic, memorable, and donor-centered. Reporting to the Executive Director of Donor Engagement & Gift Administration, this position plays a key role in building and sustaining strong relationships with donors through high-quality engagement experiences and strategic recognition efforts.Evening and weekend availability required for donor events.

Position Type FullTime

Type of Recruitment General Public

Minimum Qualifications

+ Master’s degree: Master’s degree in business, public administration, business administration, or marketing and communications or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in stated fields with related experience equivalent to a master’s degree.

+ Considerable organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and follow-through.

+ Proficiency in event management software, CRM databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.

+ Excellent communication skills, including writing, editing, and interpersonal relationship-building. Considerable ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while applying strong problem-solving skills.

+ Basic experience in event planning, donor relations, or related areas within a higher education or nonprofit setting.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Considerable knowledge of stewardship practices and donor engagement strategies.

+ Considerable experience coordinating high-profile donor events or fundraising events.

Conditions of Employment

Job Open Date 10/28/2025

Open Until Filled No

Application Review Date 11/24/2025

Job Close Date 11/21/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

ODU Statement

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

+ Contact Information for Professional References

Optional Documents

+ Writing Sample 1

+ Recommendation/Reference Letter 1

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).