OPT Donor Relations Officer Jobs
Donor Relations Officer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in nonprofit management, communications, or public administration. These roles involve managing donor portfolios, writing stewardship reports, and coordinating fundraising campaigns, all activities that directly apply academic training and satisfy OPT employment requirements.
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FSU Division of University Advancement
Florida State University is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign. As the leadership phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional donor relations professionals campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.
Responsibilities
The Associate Director, Principal Gifts and Donor Experience is responsible for developing, maintaining and executing donor relations activities that complement our fundraisers’ external, face-to-face work for major and principal donors. Efforts will primarily focus on donors with $1 million+ lifetime giving. Working closely with the Donor Relations team, University Advancement leadership and other key leaders and staff across the university, this individual will be a strategic partner responsible for designing and implementing stewardship, recognition and engagement strategies, including high-touch donor experiences ranging from premium athletic hospitality to customized engagement opportunities. Additionally, they will create individualized communications to support this work and ensure donor engagement and satisfaction.
Stewardship, Recognition and Engagement
- Create and implement new principal donor standards, practices and procedures aimed at stewarding, celebrating, thanking and engaging donors in unique and customized ways.
- Regularly collaborate with the Principal Gifts team and other leaders across Florida State University to develop and manage personalized donor relations plans for major and principal donors. This includes creating tailored impact reports and identifying and implementing distinctive and creative ways to recognize and engage these donors.
- Oversee complex stewardship and recognition projects that often include multiple deliverables.
- Develop efficient and effective systems to monitor and manage individual donor plans proactively.
- Assist with the collection of data, written reports and other materials as needed to steward gifts.
- Work with the donor relations team to oversee and assist with other key recognition programs.
- Identify ways to create tiered approaches for principal donors within existing and new programs and projects.
Donor Communication
- Develop and deliver tailored communications for high-priority and principal donors, which may also include other donor segments as assigned. This encompasses personalized impact reports, acknowledgment letters, correspondence, touchpoints, invitations and other necessary communication.
- Work closely with the Division of University Advancement Communications team on projects as needed, including donor stories, publicity, one-off recognition pieces and reports.
Donor Experience and Hospitality
- Manage the planning and execution of high-touch donor experiences, including athletic suite hospitality, special events, donor visits, gift celebrations and other customized engagement opportunities, ensuring premium hospitality, meaningful engagement, unique experiences and stewardship of high-level donors.
- Manage the selection, procurement and distribution of unique donor gifts, ensuring high-quality, personalized items that align with the donor engagement strategies.
- Organize and execute timely, meaningful follow-up after donor experiences and engagements, ensuring continued engagement with the principal gifts team and development officers.
- This position requires availability for some evenings and weekends to support donor experiences and events, including athletic hospitality. Some travel may be required for off-campus donor experiences or professional conferences.
Administrative Tasks
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, preferences, stewardship plans, engagement plans and other information in the constituent management system. Utilize data to inform and enhance donor strategies.
- Document new departmental processes and procedures and update existing ones to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)
A valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain.
Preferred Qualifications
A preferred candidate will have 5+ years of previous experience in donor relations, annual giving or development activities in a nonprofit organization and have developed the skills needed to work with high-level donors and University Advancement leadership. Experience planning and executing high-level donor experiences, events or hospitality is preferred. Demonstrated ability to thrive in dynamic environments, effectively adapting to changing priorities with a flexible and proactive approach. This candidate will also have a strong attention to detail and excel at building and managing processes.
Other Information
Who is the ideal candidate for this position?
You understand and enjoy the creative and data sides of advancement work and appreciate how important each is in donor relations. You have demonstrated project management skills, excellent interpersonal skills, exceptional verbal and written communication skills and a robust knowledge of donor relations. You have a proven record of successfully working with or managing high-level or principal donors and/or their stewardship plans. You enjoy creating thoughtful donor experiences and understand how hospitality, personalization and attention to detail can make an engagement meaningful. You are a strategic thinker looking to use your creativity and resourcefulness to make a difference.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position is being advertised as open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Department
FSU Division of University Advancement
Florida State University is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign. As the leadership phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional donor relations professionals campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.
Responsibilities
The Associate Director, Principal Gifts and Donor Experience is responsible for developing, maintaining and executing donor relations activities that complement our fundraisers’ external, face-to-face work for major and principal donors. Efforts will primarily focus on donors with $1 million+ lifetime giving. Working closely with the Donor Relations team, University Advancement leadership and other key leaders and staff across the university, this individual will be a strategic partner responsible for designing and implementing stewardship, recognition and engagement strategies, including high-touch donor experiences ranging from premium athletic hospitality to customized engagement opportunities. Additionally, they will create individualized communications to support this work and ensure donor engagement and satisfaction.
Stewardship, Recognition and Engagement
- Create and implement new principal donor standards, practices and procedures aimed at stewarding, celebrating, thanking and engaging donors in unique and customized ways.
- Regularly collaborate with the Principal Gifts team and other leaders across Florida State University to develop and manage personalized donor relations plans for major and principal donors. This includes creating tailored impact reports and identifying and implementing distinctive and creative ways to recognize and engage these donors.
- Oversee complex stewardship and recognition projects that often include multiple deliverables.
- Develop efficient and effective systems to monitor and manage individual donor plans proactively.
- Assist with the collection of data, written reports and other materials as needed to steward gifts.
- Work with the donor relations team to oversee and assist with other key recognition programs.
- Identify ways to create tiered approaches for principal donors within existing and new programs and projects.
Donor Communication
- Develop and deliver tailored communications for high-priority and principal donors, which may also include other donor segments as assigned. This encompasses personalized impact reports, acknowledgment letters, correspondence, touchpoints, invitations and other necessary communication.
- Work closely with the Division of University Advancement Communications team on projects as needed, including donor stories, publicity, one-off recognition pieces and reports.
Donor Experience and Hospitality
- Manage the planning and execution of high-touch donor experiences, including athletic suite hospitality, special events, donor visits, gift celebrations and other customized engagement opportunities, ensuring premium hospitality, meaningful engagement, unique experiences and stewardship of high-level donors.
- Manage the selection, procurement and distribution of unique donor gifts, ensuring high-quality, personalized items that align with the donor engagement strategies.
- Organize and execute timely, meaningful follow-up after donor experiences and engagements, ensuring continued engagement with the principal gifts team and development officers.
- This position requires availability for some evenings and weekends to support donor experiences and events, including athletic hospitality. Some travel may be required for off-campus donor experiences or professional conferences.
Administrative Tasks
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, preferences, stewardship plans, engagement plans and other information in the constituent management system. Utilize data to inform and enhance donor strategies.
- Document new departmental processes and procedures and update existing ones to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)
A valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain.
Preferred Qualifications
A preferred candidate will have 5+ years of previous experience in donor relations, annual giving or development activities in a nonprofit organization and have developed the skills needed to work with high-level donors and University Advancement leadership. Experience planning and executing high-level donor experiences, events or hospitality is preferred. Demonstrated ability to thrive in dynamic environments, effectively adapting to changing priorities with a flexible and proactive approach. This candidate will also have a strong attention to detail and excel at building and managing processes.
Other Information
Who is the ideal candidate for this position?
You understand and enjoy the creative and data sides of advancement work and appreciate how important each is in donor relations. You have demonstrated project management skills, excellent interpersonal skills, exceptional verbal and written communication skills and a robust knowledge of donor relations. You have a proven record of successfully working with or managing high-level or principal donors and/or their stewardship plans. You enjoy creating thoughtful donor experiences and understand how hospitality, personalization and attention to detail can make an engagement meaningful. You are a strategic thinker looking to use your creativity and resourcefulness to make a difference.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position is being advertised as open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
See all 49+ OPT Donor Relations Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Donor Relations Officer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Donor Relations Officer
Frame your degree as directly relevant
Nonprofit management, communications, public policy, and social work degrees map clearly to Donor Relations Officer roles. In your cover letter, connect your specific coursework to stewardship, donor engagement, or fundraising operations explicitly.
Raise OPT early, not at the offer stage
Mention your authorization in the second or third conversation, before an offer is extended. Framing it as a brief administrative step with no cost to the employer prevents it from becoming a last-minute obstacle.
Emphasize relationship management skills with data
Donor relations is measurable work. Quantify your experience: donor retention rates you supported, gift acknowledgment turnaround times, or portfolio sizes you managed. Concrete numbers reduce uncertainty for hiring managers unfamiliar with international candidates.
Get familiar with common CRM platforms before applying
Proficiency in Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack, Raiser's Edge, or similar donor management systems makes you a stronger candidate. Many nonprofits list CRM experience as required, and demonstrating it removes a common screening barrier.
Use STEM OPT extension eligibility as a planning tool
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension, communicate that to employers. It extends your authorized work period significantly, giving nonprofit employers more time to evaluate sponsorship before your status requires action.
Donor Relations Officer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Donor Relations Officer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or social work typically satisfy this requirement. You must have a job offer before your OPT start date and ensure your role aligns with what you reported to your DSO.
Do nonprofit employers sponsor international students for H-1B visas from a Donor Relations Officer role?
Some do, particularly larger nonprofits, university development offices, and hospital foundations with established HR processes. Sponsorship is less common at small community organizations. Researching an employer's history with work authorization before applying saves time. Migrate Mate surfaces OPT-friendly Donor Relations Officer roles where sponsorship is more likely.
Does a Donor Relations Officer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as data analytics, information systems, or a related discipline. Most traditional Donor Relations Officer hires come from humanities or social science backgrounds, which are not STEM-designated. Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM OPT extension list to confirm eligibility before counting on the extra 24 months.
What should I do if my OPT expires before a nonprofit can complete H-1B sponsorship?
If you qualify for the STEM extension, file the application at least 90 days before your OPT end date to maintain work authorization during processing. If you don't qualify for STEM, explore whether your employer can support a cap-exempt H-1B through a qualifying nonprofit or educational institution affiliation, which bypasses the annual lottery entirely.
How do I find Donor Relations Officer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Standard job boards don't filter for OPT work authorization, which means significant time spent on roles that won't consider international students. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Donor Relations Officer positions at employers open to candidates on work authorization, so you can focus on applications with a realistic path forward.