Organizational Relationships:
Responsible to the Senior Director-Stewardship and Recognition and Executive Director-Stewardship and Recognition. Collaborates closely with Department of Development leadership, physician and administrative leaders, Development professionals, Mayo Clinic benefactors and external vendors.
Position Overview: (Major Functions and Non-Essential Functions):
The Stewardship and Recognition Associate Director will develop and implement benefactor relations strategies for stewardship and recognition activities to carry forward the mission and vision of advancing fundraising for Mayo Clinic. This position will work collaboratively across the enterprise and manage the day-to-day execution of multiple stewardship initiatives, with a strong focus on project management. Based on the assigned portfolio, project management abilities will be needed to coordinate programs to recognize benefactors, express Mayo Clinic’s appreciation, and report philanthropic impact. Ensures an exceptional philanthropic experience and strong programmatic stewardship and recognition at scale, based on the assigned portfolio. Broadens the reach and impact of stewardship and recognition by developing and executing creative, scalable approaches, including personalized and meaningful digital touchpoints.
This role requires strong project management abilities, including leading complex projects and initiatives, identifying and engaging key stakeholders, and navigating ambiguous environments. Coordinates programs that recognize benefactors, express Mayo Clinic’s appreciation, and clearly communicate the impact of philanthropic support through compelling reports and experiences. Serves as a liaison to assigned fundraising initiatives, internal and external advisory groups, institutional committees, and interdisciplinary work teams to promote an enterprise and Development perspective. Pursues and implements innovative ideas in partnership with supporting teams. Leads process improvement work groups to ensure stewardship and recognition activities operate effectively and efficiently.
Serves as a knowledge expert and interprets and clarifies activities within their assigned portfolio of responsibilities for staff internal and external to Development. May facilitate cumulative giving programs, benefactor gift opportunities, proposal planning, stewardship site visits, special events, and supports gift implementation and monitoring. Serves as a resource to colleagues in and outside of the Department of Development related to portfolio areas of support. The Stewardship and Recognition Associate Director facilitates gift implementation and is responsible for monitoring gift usage. Initiates stewardship and recognition plans for large gifts and manages the production of creative and compelling stewardship impact reports. Collaborates to establish policies and procedures to ensure benefactor intent is upheld, compliance with pledge and gift agreements is maintained, and standards of excellence are met.
Minimum Education and/or Experience Required: (Education Requirements and Experience):
Bachelor's degree required plus three years of experience in donor relations, communications or marketing required. Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising required.
Additional Experience and/or Qualifications: (Has Achieved Competency in the Following Areas, Job Knowledge and Additional Considerations):
Requires excellent oral and written communication skills; professional writing experience preferred. Experience executing innovative digital stewardship touchpoints and familiarity with digital stewardship tools are preferred. Must be capable of working collaboratively in a complex, consensus-style operation that expects and promotes teamwork. Must have demonstrated competencies in leadership and project management. Must be able to develop strategies for publications, reports, and process improvement, and advise other colleagues as they build and adopt best practices. Must possess the ability to synthesize and interpret complex business, financial, medical, and research information for internal and external audiences. Must have strong analytical abilities to continuously improve program outcomes and provide accurate proposals and financial reports to benefactors. Must be able to represent Mayo professionally when working with prospects and benefactors and maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Manages time effectively and maintains flexibility to work around tight timelines, which may require work outside of standard business hours.
Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.
- Medical: Multiple plan options.
- Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
- Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
- Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
- Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law". Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- At least three years of experience in donor relations, communications, or marketing
- Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Professional writing experience
- Experience executing innovative digital stewardship touchpoints
- Familiarity with digital stewardship tools
- Leadership and project management competencies
- Ability to develop strategies for publications, reports, and process improvement
- Ability to synthesize complex business, financial, medical, and research information
- Strong analytical abilities for improving program outcomes and preparing accurate reports
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and represent Mayo Clinic professionally
Mayo Clinic Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mayo Clinic and has not been reviewed or approved by Mayo Clinic.
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Retirement Support — A no-cost pension plus an employer-matched 403(b)/401(k) is positioned as a standout differentiator, offering strong long-term financial security. Feedback suggests this retirement combination elevates overall total rewards even when base pay is moderate.
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Healthcare Strength — Expanded medical networks, enhanced fertility coverage, and employer absorption of a plan year’s premium increases point to robust healthcare offerings. Feedback suggests annual updates maintain breadth and competitiveness of coverage.
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Parental & Family Support — Adoption assistance, dependent scholarships, child and elder-care resources, and EAP services provide meaningful family-oriented support. Feedback suggests these programs add tangible value beyond salary alone.
Mayo Clinic Insights
What We Do
Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of "the needs of the patient come first." More than 3,800 physicians and scientists and 50,900 allied health staff work at Mayo Clinic, which has sites in Rochester, Minn., Jacksonville, Fla., and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Mayo Clinic also serves over 70 communities through Mayo Clinic Health System with locations in MN, IA, and WI. Collectively, these locations care for more than 1 million people each year.









