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 June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. in the United States is $69,049 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): $88,008
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,463 to $78,973
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,556
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View as table View as graph 25% $61,463 10% $54,556 90% $88,008 75% $78,973 $69,049 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 $78,973 $6,581 $1,519 $38
Average $69,049 $5,754 $1,328 $33
25th Percentile $61,463 $5,122 $1,182 $30
Check out Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Job Openings in the United States
Executive Director Campaigns&amp Donor Relations

Confidential - Bowling Green, OH

Vice President Growth Strategy&amp Donor Relations

Confidential - Columbus, OH

RN

Geisinger - SCRANTON, PA

RN

Geisinger - WILKES BARRE, PA

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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): $66,218
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $66,558
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,690
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $69,049
  • Expert (over 8 years): $71,567
Levels Salary
Entry Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$66,218
Intermediate Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$66,558
Senior Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$67,690
Specialist Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$69,049
Expert Level Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed.$71,567
$66,218 0 yr
$66,558 < 2 yrs
$67,690 2-4 yrs
$69,049 5-8 yrs
$71,567 > 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: $87,092
  • San Francisco: $86,138
  • Oakland: $84,323

Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,312. While startup companies pay approximate $60,907.

Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$60,907
Growth Stage51~500$64,267
Established501~5000$69,038
Enterprise5000+$71,312

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 June 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 $168,339 - 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.

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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 $87,092.

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

The highest pay for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $88,008.

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

The lowest pay for Donor Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $54,556.

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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