Associate Director for Communications and Stewardship

UO HR Website; Eugene (OR); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics at the University of Oregon in Eugene seeks an Associate Director for Communication and Stewardship. This 12‑month, 1.0 FTE position leads communications and donor engagement to raise visibility and support for the Center.

Collaborate with senior staff to create multifaceted fundraising programs, manage events and AV for remote participation, and supervise staff. Requires bachelor's degree and 3+ years in communications and development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related field.
• Three years of experience in communications, publicity, public affairs, or related field.
• Experience in development or other directly applicable fundraising experience.
• One year of program or project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans to raise visibility and engagement for the Wayne Morse Center.
• Lead fundraising and stewardship programs to engage donors and increase support.
• Supervise staff and coordinate with UO Advancement and central Communications to ensure aligned messaging.

Skills

Strategic communications

Advanced writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Public affairs

Teamwork

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/communications

Tools

Content management systems

Job description

Department: Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $65,000 - $82,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA07-Fiscal Year 2026-2027
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

August 3, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration, complete applications must include the following along with the online application:

• A cover letter highlighting how your knowledge, skills, and experience qualify you for the requirements, competencies, and if applicable, preferred qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A resume of your professional and other work experience, education, and applicable certifications.
• The online application includes the name and contact information of at least three professional references. The candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted.

Department Summary

Established in 2000 and building on the tradition of the Wayne Morse Chair of Law and Politics (1978), the Wayne Morse Center serves as an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing education, research, dialogue, and civic engagement on pressing public issues that impact Oregon, our nation, and the world. The Center is active in the community as well as within the academy. It offers specialized programs for undergraduate, graduate, and law students at UO; facilitates experiential learning, skills-building, and career guidance; provides funding for student and faculty research; and hosts distinguished speakers for in-person and livestreamed lectures, panels, and events that are free and open to the public. The WMC carries forward the legacy of Oregon’s former U.S. Senator Wayne Morse, an outspoken champion of public education, justice, inclusive democracy, and the rule of law.

The Center is committed to the principles of equity, inclusion, and integrity. It is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic learning environment where students, staff, faculty, speakers, and guests from a range of backgrounds and different viewpoints feel welcome.

Located within the traditional homelands of the Kalapuya people, the WMC is housed in Knight Law Center on UO's Eugene campus. It is endowment‑funded and relies on gifts from supporters to fulfill its mission. In addition to this position, the Wayne Morse Center staff includes an Accounting Coordinator, an Administrative Program Specialist, and two Co‑Directors. An advisory board composed of faculty and community leaders offers guidance and support for the Center. The position is a 12‑month, 1.0 FTE Officer of Administration appointment subject to annual review. It reports to the Co‑Directors and supervises key duties of the classified staff and student workers.

The WMC's activities follow a cyclical pattern. Because certain months are more demanding than others, the Wayne Morse Center supports a hybrid work schedule, requiring on‑campus presence four days per week during the academic year, with more flexibility during summer and winter break as appropriate. The position entails some evening and weekend work, staffing events, and includes occasional travel within Oregon.

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Communication and Stewardship manages and executes all aspects of the Wayne Morse Center’s communications, developing strategies and producing materials and digital content that increase the Center’s visibility; boost event attendance; recruit applicants for student and faculty programs and awards; and promote Senator Morse’s legacy. The position also ensures the effective use of internal communication and work‑sharing platforms.

In collaboration with senior staff, this staff member will create and implement a multifaceted fundraising and stewardship program that engages current and prospective donors through personalized updates, outreach, and special events, thereby fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose and increasing financial support. The Associate Director plays an integral role in executing public events and fundraising activities, serving as the lead on AV and facilitating remote audience participation, among other things. The position interacts with students, campus and community leaders, donors, alumni, prominent guests, and journalists.

This position plays supervisory roles overseeing the Accounting Coordinator’s work on donation processing, acknowledgment, and reporting; directing the Administrative Program Specialist in sourcing stories about student, awardee, and alumni achievements and preparing students for stewardship engagements with donors and prospects; and hiring and managing student workers. Additionally, this position advises senior staff on organizational development, mission, and policy.

The Associate Director proactively liaises with communications and development professionals in UO Advancement, central Communications, and the School of Law to ensure that communications efforts are well‑timed, mutually supportive, and on message, maintaining university‑wide standards and aligning with communication plans for donor audiences and high‑level donors.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related field.
• Three years of experience in communications, publicity, public affairs, or related field.
• Experience in development or other directly applicable fundraising experience.
• One year of program or project management experience.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to create, manage, and implement strategic communications plans and strategies that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for a variety of audiences, media, and contexts.
• Advanced writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to design and create compelling, effective, visually appealing graphics, print materials and online content, write copy, and manage a website and socials.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences— including geographic, viewpoint, and socioeconomic diversity—and commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and equity.
• Ability to meet deadlines, anticipate needs, prioritize multiple tasks, follow through, and work independently without supervision.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to comfortably engage with stakeholders, students, donors, high‑profile guests, and the public, speaking in public and responding to inquiries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising classified staff and student workers.
• Experience with digital communications, including website, photo editing, email marketing, and content management systems.
• Familiarity with public affairs and policy issues affecting Oregonians, the nation, and the world; familiarity with governmental institutions and the American political system.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal‑opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy‑related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: July 17, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: