Assistant Director of Development

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Development serves as a frontline ambassador for University Advancement, advancing alumni engagement, philanthropic support, and community relationships through exceptional hospitality, strategic engagement, and sponsorship development. Serving as the University's lead host for the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, this position is responsible for creating an outstanding experience for every donor, alumnus, volunteer, Foundation Fund Board member, campus partner, and community guest who enters the facility. Whether supporting University Advancement initiatives or coordinating events hosted by university and community partners, the Assistant Director ensures the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center consistently reflects the University's highest standards of professionalism, stewardship, and service. The Assistant Director collaborates with faculty, staff, volunteers, alumni, donors, and community organizations to deliver meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships and elevate the University's reputation. Through thoughtful planning, exceptional execution, and genuine hospitality, this position helps create an environment where relationships flourish and philanthropic conversations naturally develop. Beyond the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, the Assistant Director works to expand the University's alumni network by cultivating relationships in key emerging alumni markets, increasing alumni participation, and creating pathways for lifelong engagement. The position also develops and secures corporate sponsorships that support strategic alumni and development initiatives, including signature programs such as the Faculty Excellence Awards, alumni recognition events, donor stewardship activities, and other engagement opportunities that advance the mission of University Advancement. At its core, this is a relationship-building position. The Assistant Director serves as one of the first and most consistent faces of University Advancement, ensuring that every interaction leaves constituents with a stronger connection to UA Little Rock. Success is measured not only by well-executed events or sponsorship revenue, but by the ability to transform visitors into advocates, alumni into engaged partners, corporate sponsors into long-term investors, and meaningful relationships into enduring support for the University. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality
Ability to anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, and work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to provide exceptional customer service to donors, alumni, volunteers, Foundation Fund Board members, campus leadership, and guests
Strong problem-solving skills and initiative
Ability to build relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, volunteers, community organizations, and campus constituents
Experience coordinating meetings, events, and executive schedules
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor management systems
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
Possession of a valid driver's license with the ability to travel locally
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment

Nice To Haves

One to two years of professional experience in fundraising, event coordination, executive support, customer service, business operations, or a related field
Master's degree
Experience working in higher education or nonprofit organizations
Experience coordinating executive calendars, meetings, or special events

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with corporate sponsors, alumni, donors, volunteers, and community partners that strengthen engagement and advance the University's philanthropic priorities.
Solicit corporate sponsorships and philanthropic support for University events, alumni engagement initiatives, and strategic Advancement priorities.
Conduct meaningful face-to-face visits with prospective sponsors, donors, alumni, and community partners to cultivate relationships, secure sponsorships, and identify future philanthropic opportunities.
Create sponsorship proposals, correspondence, stewardship materials, and recognition plans that strengthen long-term sponsor and donor relationships.
Assist with stewardship activities that recognize and retain donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
Represent the Office of Alumni and Development at University functions, alumni events, and community organizations in a manner that enhances the University's reputation and strengthens external relationships.
Maintain accurate records of donor, sponsor, and alumni interactions within the University's donor management system.
Lead or assist with special fundraising projects, initiatives, and campaigns at the direction of the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement.
Develop and maintain relationships with alumni in Central Arkansas and key emerging alumni markets to strengthen lifelong engagement with UA Little Rock.
Assist in identifying, recruiting, and supporting alumni volunteers who serve as ambassadors, advocates, mentors, and philanthropic partners for the University.
Support alumni engagement initiatives designed to increase alumni participation, strengthen volunteer involvement, and create meaningful opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the University.
Develop partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and civic leaders that expand the University's visibility and create opportunities for alumni engagement and philanthropic support.
Foster relationships that transform alumni, visitors, volunteers, and community partners into long-term advocates for the University.
Serve as Building Manager for the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center by coordinating the daily operations, maintenance, and overall presentation of the facility.
Serve as the University's lead host for the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, ensuring every visitor, donor, alumnus, volunteer, Foundation Fund Board member, campus partner, and community guest experiences exceptional hospitality and leaves with a stronger connection to UA Little Rock.
Coordinate with Facilities Management, housekeeping staff, contractors, and other service providers to ensure building systems, maintenance needs, and facility improvements are addressed promptly.
Ensure the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center consistently provides a welcoming, safe, attractive, and professional environment that reflects the University's highest standards.
Monitor conference rooms, reception areas, donor spaces, and public areas to ensure they remain clean, organized, functional, and presentation-ready.
Maintain the donor hospitality kitchen by ensuring supplies are stocked, organized, and available for meetings, donor visits, and special events.
Anticipate guest needs and provide personalized hospitality that supports meaningful relationship-building opportunities.
Coordinate and provide logistical support for the Office of Alumni and Development, including managing deliveries, printing services, mail services, meeting materials, and other operational needs that support Advancement initiatives.
Assist with the planning and coordination of Foundation Fund Board meetings, Alumni Association meetings, donor stewardship events, alumni programs, and other University Advancement activities.
Coordinate events hosted by University Advancement as well as events sponsored by campus and community partners within the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, ensuring consistent quality and exceptional guest experiences.
Manage invitations, RSVP tracking, guest lists, event communications, and event logistics.
Coordinate meeting logistics including room setup, catering, audiovisual needs, signage, and guest accommodations.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.