Donor Engagement Coordinator (Advancement)/ Career Opportunity

Rate: $19 USD per hour

Description

The Donor Engagement Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative event and donor engagement support to the Advancement Office. This position plays a key role in strengthening relationships with volunteers, donors, and community partners while ensuring the smooth execution of fundraising and recognition initiatives.

This role requires flexibility, as evening and weekend hours will be required based on event schedules and volunteer support needs. The successful candidate must be based in Chautauqua County, NY year-round.

About the Work

Volunteer & Fundraising Support

• Manage and provide administrative and event support for associate fundraisers, including:

• Chautauqua Fund Volunteers

• NOW Generation Council Members

• Friends of and Community Group Volunteers

• Advancement staff

• Support planning and execution of recognition and sponsorship events.

• Oversee and administer the employee giving program.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 25 donors, building and maintaining meaningful relationships.

• Assist with donor acknowledgements, particularly during high-volume periods.

• Assist with stewardship for tribute and memorial giving programs, including trees, bricks, benches, and other commemorative gifts.

• Assist with stewardship for scholarship donors, including donor notifications and student impact reporting.

Administrative and Office Operations

• Perform administrative tasks for the Advancement Office, including general office management.

• Serve as the primary administrator for the [email protected] email inbox and advancement phone.

• Manage incoming and outgoing office mail.

• Provide event logistics and on-site support, including evenings and weekends as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

About You

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit administration, fundraising, communications, or related fields.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in development, donor relations, event coordination, or administrative support preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Professional demeanor with a strong commitment to customer service and relationship-building.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database systems preferred.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Must reside in Chautauqua County, NY year-round.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Relationship-driven and service-oriented.

• Highly organized and proactive.

• Collaborative team player.

• Discreet and able to handle confidential information.

• Flexible and adaptable to seasonal workload fluctuations.

About Your Department

In 2023, the Advancement team successfully raised more than $36 million in annual and major gifts and pledges to support the institution's programs, strategic initiatives, and capital projects. Chautauqua Foundation confirmed planned gift commitments totaling more than $20 million, and the endowment now stands at more than $133 million, with 850 individual funds. The Institution’s largest campaign to date, Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua, launched publicly on January 5, 2024, with a goal of raising $150 million.

The Advancement Department works in close alignment with Marketing & Communications, IT, and Project 360 – an interdepartmental team responsible for the development and implementation of a standardized, robust, versatile technology ecosystem and data governance program, creating a 360-degree view of each patron and supporting the 150 Forward Strategic Plan.

About Your Work Schedule & Location

This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County) (https://www.choosechq.com/live-chq/) . The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York, and is not eligible for a remote work arrangement.

The regular work hours for this position will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day totaling 37.5 hours per week. The work schedule may include additional hours and evening commitments between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

The compensation for this opportunity starts at $19.00/hour, and with demonstrated experience or advanced education, candidates may earn up to $21.00/Hour. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite include a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution (https://www.chq.org/) is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/) , a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CHQ\_ReferralBonus\_081326.pdf) is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) (https://www.chq.org/about/idea/) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward (https://150fwd.chq.org/) . One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.