Senior Relationship Manager

University of Alaska; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement options

Annual leave

12 paid holidays per year

Tuition waivers for employees and affli

Medical, dental and vision care

Job summary

The Senior Relationship Manager at the University of Alaska earns a central role in advancing UAF’s mission by securing major gifts of $25,000 or more from individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations. This donor-facing position supports fundraising across colleges, schools, institutes and programs, while championing Chancellor’s initiatives in academics, scholarships, and campus enhancements.

The role demands initiative, strategic thinking and exceptional relationship-building

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of related experience or equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years in successful relationship building or public relations.
• Minimum 2 years in fundraising or similar activity.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors to secure major gifts.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, community partners and the UA Foundation.
• Support events, donor engagement strategies and stewardship activities.
• Advance UAF’s fundraising success through donor relationships and outreach.

Skills

Relationship building

Public relations

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business, public administration or relevant field

Job description

The Senior Relationship Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing UAF’s mission by securing major gifts of $25,000+ from individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations. Working as part of the central development team, this position supports fundraising efforts across colleges, schools, institutes, and programs, while also championing the Chancellor’s initiatives in academics, scholarships and fellowships, facilities, and campus enhancements.

This donor-facing role requires initiative, strategy, and strong relationship-building skills. The Senior Relationship Manager will proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, while collaborating with executive leadership, community partners, and the UA Foundation to maximize philanthropic support.

In addition, this position contributes to UAF’s advancement culture by supporting events, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship activities. Professional development and participation in civic and professional organizations are encouraged to expand networks, strengthen community ties, and elevate UAF’s fundraising success.

Success in this donor-facing role requires initiative, strategic thinking, and exceptional relationship-building skills. The Senior Relationship Manager will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, while working closely with executive leadership, community partners, and the UA Foundation to maximize philanthropic support.

This position also strengthens UAF’s advancement culture by contributing to events, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship activities. Active participation in professional development and civic organizations is encouraged to expand networks, deepen community connections, and elevate UAF’s fundraising success.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business, public administration or relevant field and four years of experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A minimum of 4 year’s experience in successful relationship building and/or public relations is required. A minimum of 2 years experience in fundraising or similar activity is required.

Position Details:

This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position’s duties, operational needs, and the employee’s ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Randazzo, Signers' Business Office HR Coordinator, at [e-mail].

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Coalition of Alaska University Staff for Equity (CAUSE)-UAW.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at [e-mail].

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.