Associate Director of Development

Davita Inc.; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks an Associate Director of Development to secure sponsorships and philanthropic support for key events. This role focuses on relationship building with corporate partners and executing high-profile initiatives, playing a pivotal part in the university's fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fundraising or event planning and will collaborate closely with various departments to meet annual fundraising targets.

Benefits

Benefits Eligible

Qualifications

• At least one year of professional experience in fundraising or event planning.
• Proficiency in drafting sponsorship proposals and event collateral.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of sponsors for university events.
• Lead or support planning and executing fundraising events.
• Create customized sponsorship proposals.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Organizational Skills

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Closing Date:

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students". All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date:

Type of Position: Administration (Non-Classified)

Workstudy Position:

No Job Type: Regular Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

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Department: VC Advancement

Department's Website:

https://ualr.edu/development/ Summary of Job Duties: The Associate Director of Development is a front-line fundraiser responsible for securing sponsorships and philanthropic support for signature University-wide events and University Initiatives as established by the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the Associate Director will lead efforts to cultivate relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and individuals, while also playing a key role in planning and executing events for which sponsorships are raised.

This role will be accountable for meeting defined sponsorship revenue goals for each event as well as annual fundraising targets. It is a critical position within the University's Centennial Campaign. Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree;
• At least one year of professional experience in fundraising, event sponsorship, event planning\community engagement, business development, or sales.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Master's Degree;
• Demonstrated success in coordinating high-impact events and securing sponsorships;
• Experience working in higher education or nonprofit organizations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Sponsorship Development & Fundraising:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of current and prospective sponsors to support University-wide events;
• Solicit and secure sponsorships of $5,000+ for annual events such as golf tournaments, alumni luncheons, and signature programs;
• Conduct a minimum of five (5) meaningful face-to-face meetings weekly with prospective sponsors and donors;
• Create customized sponsorship proposals and benefit packages aligned with sponsor interests and University priorities;
• Cultivate and maintain long-term relationships with sponsors through ongoing engagement and stewardship;
• Meet or exceed revenue goals for each event and achieve annual sponsorship fundraising targets;
• Leverage events as strategic tools for donor acquisition, stewardship, and retention.

Event Planning and Execution:

• Lead or support the planning and execution of fundraising and stewardship events;
• Manage event logistics such as venue selection, vendor coordination, timelines, budgets, and sponsor activations;
• Ensure accurate and timely recognition and delivery of sponsor benefits at events;
• Collaborate with marketing and alumni relations teams on event promotion, communications, and guest outreach;
• Serve as an on-site event lead as needed to ensure professional execution and sponsor satisfaction.

Administrative and Strategic Support:

• Draft compelling sponsorship proposals, agreements, follow-up reports, and stewardship materials;
• Maintain accurate records of sponsor interactions and progress toward financial goals in the donor management system;
• Develop and implement stewardship strategies to foster donor engagement and long-term support;
• Attend university events and represent the Office of Advancement with professionalism and strategic intent;
• Support alignment of event-based fundraising with broader campaign and institutional goals;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong organizational and time management abilities;
• Ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate leaders, alumni, donors, and campus partners;
• Proficiency in developing sponsorship proposals, event collateral and donor correspondence;
• Experience in planning and managing complex events, including vendor coordination and sponsor activations;
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work across multiple departments;
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, with flexibility to travel as needed;
• Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to travel, including overnight stays.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Christian O'Neal, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, 501-916-6433

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry ( MVR ) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity: Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking, Walking Frequent Physical Activity: Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking, Walking Occasional Physical Activity: Driving, Grasping, Kneeling, Reaching, Standing, Stooping Benefits Eligible: Yes

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