Senior Director of Advancement

National Network of Public Health Institutes

Little Rock (AR)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 210,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock seeks a Senior Director of Advancement of Development to lead major gift fundraising and oversee a high-capacity donor portfolio. The role emphasizes personally soliciting six- and seven-figure gifts and aligning donor strategies with university priorities.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, you will coordinate with deans, faculty, and volunteers to secure transformative support and drive campaigns forward.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; advanced fundraising credentials preferred.
Proven success soliciting major gifts and advancing donor relationships.
Ability to meet goals and manage complex cultivation strategies.

Responsibilities

Personally cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts of $100k+ and develop $1M+ opportunities.
Build and manage a focused portfolio of high-capacity donors and partners.
Develop donor strategies with defined gifts, steps, and timelines.
Coordinate proposals and involve Chancellor/VC, deans, and volunteers.
Provide stewardship to fulfill donor intent and demonstrate impact.

Skills

Excellent communication

Donor trust-building

Strategic fundraising

Portfolio management

Major gift fundraising

Evenings/weekends travel

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or CFRE preferred

Job description

Type of Position

Administration - Advancement

Workstudy Position

Job Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available

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.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180 .

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180 .

Department

VC Advancement

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties

The Senior Director of Advancement of Development is a senior front-line fundraiser responsible for securing significant private philanthropic support for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, this position develops and manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects across the University, with a primary emphasis on personally soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure major and principal gifts. The Senior Director of Development advances the University's highest fundraising priorities through donor discovery, strategic cultivation, direct solicitation, and stewardship. Success is measured by substantial gift commitments, growth in the major and principal gift pipeline, and achievement of annual fundraising goals. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Qualifications

Required Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree;
Demonstrated success personally soliciting and closing gifts and advancing donor relationships toward commitments;
Demonstrated ability to meet goals, develop new relationships, and manage complex cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

At least five years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct responsibility for major gift donor portfolios and personal solicitation.
Demonstrated success personally securing six and seven-figure gifts.
Experience in comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, and corporate or foundation fundraising.
Understanding of large, complex, decentralized public higher education institutions.
Master's degree or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Development/Fundraising

Personally cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal gifts, with a primary focus on commitments of $100,000 or more and the development of opportunities for gifts of $1 million or more;
Build and manage a focused portfolio of high-capacity individuals, alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations whose interests align with University priorities;
Identify and personally qualify new prospects, re-engage donors with untapped giving potential, and advance existing relationships toward larger philanthropic commitments;
Develop and execute individualized donor strategies with defined gift opportunities, proposed ask amounts, action steps, and timelines for solicitation and closure;
Secure support for endowed scholarships, program excellence, academic programs, the living and learning environment, and other strategic University priorities;
Conduct a minimum of ten (10) meaningful face-to-face visits weekly with donors and prospects, emphasizing relationships that advance major and principal gift opportunities.
Meet annual performance goals established with Advancement leadership for dollars committed, major and principal gift asks and closes, donor visits, and qualified pipeline growth. Fundraising expectations will reflect the senior level of this position and its focus on larger gifts;
Lead complex gift solicitations, including commitments involving multiyear pledges, planned gifts, and multiple University priorities, in coordination with appropriate University and Foundation partners;
Prepare compelling proposals and coordinate the participation of the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, deans, faculty, and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation;
Provide meaningful stewardship that fulfills donor intent, demonstrates the impact of gifts, and creates opportunities for continued and increased support.

Administrative

Collaborate with Advancement leadership, college development officers, and academic leaders to define fundable priorities and coordinate donor outreach across the University;
Partner with Advancement Services on prospect research, portfolio alignment, gift documentation, and stewardship reporting;
Maintain timely and accurate donor records, activity reports, proposals, projected gift amounts, and next steps in the donor management system;
Prepare donor briefings, solicitation plans, and portfolio reports; regularly review progress toward goals and adjust strategies to advance gifts toward closure;
Attend campus, community, and development-related events that support donor relationships and fundraising objectives;
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive cases for significant philanthropic investment;
Ability to build trust with high-capacity donors and confidently solicit and negotiate substantial gift commitments;
Strong judgment, initiative, and organizational skills, with the ability to independently manage complex donor relationships and sustain progress toward ambitious fundraising goals;
Ability to work effectively with University leadership, faculty, Advancement colleagues, volunteers, and community partners;
Proficiency in preparing donor strategies, proposals, presentations, and gift agreements.
Knowledge of major and principal gift fundraising, planned giving vehicles, donor stewardship, and ethical fundraising practices;
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed;
Valid driver's license with the ability to travel in and out of state, including overnight stays.

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

Special Instructions to Applicants

Recruitment Contact Information: Christian O'Neal, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, cxoneal@ualr.edu

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

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 preference, 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