Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salary in the United States

How much does a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. in the United States is $69,051 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,096
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,056 to $79,020
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,687
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View as table View as graph 25% $62,056 10% $55,687 90% $88,096 75% $79,020 $69,051 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $79,020 $6,585 $1,520 $38
Average $69,051 $5,754 $1,328 $33
25th Percentile $62,056 $5,171 $1,193 $30
Check out Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salaries

A Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $66,441
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $66,754
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,798
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $69,051
  • Expert (over 8 years): $71,580
Levels Salary
Entry Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$66,441
Intermediate Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$66,754
Senior Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$67,798
Specialist Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$69,051
Expert Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$71,580
$66,441 0 yr
$66,754 < 2 yrs
$67,798 2-4 yrs
$69,051 5-8 yrs
$71,580 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $87,094
  • San Francisco: $86,238
  • Oakland: $84,325

Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed., the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Development - Higher Ed. role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $168,285 - a projected growth of 144% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.

Here are companies hiring for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.

1. Where can a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. earn the most?

A Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $87,094.

2. What is the highest pay for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.?

The highest pay for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $88,096.

3. What is the lowest pay for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.?

The lowest pay for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $55,687.

4. What are the responsibilities of Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.?

Designs, implements, and leads donor recognition programs. Responsible for developing and implementing engagement and fundraising strategies to enhance and grow donations. Designs and executes a comprehensive stewardship program that promotes interaction with donors at all levels. Oversees all donor communications including acknowledgments, updates, invitations, fundraising materials, and press releases. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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