Associate Director of Development

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

11d

About The Position

The University of Arkansas School of Law recently entered its second century, marking a legacy of historic advances in legal education in Arkansas and pointing towards a future of impactful research, teaching, and service that will transform lives in the fulfillment of the institution’s land-grant mission and the pursuit of equal justice under law. We are currently seeking a passionate individual to join us as the Associate Director of Development. The Associate Director of Development plays a major role in raising private gift support for the School of Law. In this role, the Associate Director manages and builds an active portfolio of major gift prospects and is responsible for initiating and cultivating relationships that will lead to major gift solicitation. This position requires a high level of initiative, creative and strategic thinking, collegiality, collaboration, confidentiality, ability to follow direction, and the ability to build relationships with University team members and stakeholders, and prospective and existing benefactors. This position reports to the Director of Development and External Relations in the School of Law. The Associate Director of Development assists the development and external relations team in planning and implementing strategies to secure major gifts. In this role, the Associate Director works to secure private gift support to meet the fundraising objectives established by the Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor and Dean each year. The successful performance of the position of Associate Director of Development directly correlates to meeting the metrics required for this position. The Associate Director is responsible for securing private gift support at a pre-determined level, timely completion of Reports of Contact (ROC) with a follow-up “next step” (visits by videoconferencing on Zoom or Teams, or in-person visits are counted upon submission of a ROC), developing strategies for soliciting individuals in the assigned portfolio, planning travel on a quarterly basis (three calendar months) and executing travel plans to meet donors. Except for conflicting donor visits, the Associate Director is expected to be present in person for all scheduled Advancement Division meetings and to meet with the Dean and other members of the Advancement Division team assigned to the college. These duties shall comprise 75% of the time for this role. The Associate Director coordinates special projects for the Development Office related to alumni engagement activities, major donor research and special events. The Associate Director provides assistance in managing the Law Alumni Society, annual giving programs, and stewardship for student scholarships. The Associate Director identifies key alumni to fill volunteer leadership roles for Reunion Weekend and manages the Reunion Class Gift Challenge program as well as provides support to volunteers. The Associate Director assists the director in all donor-related activities, performs administrative duties as assigned, and adheres to University Development policies and procedures. These duties shall comprise 20% of the time for this role. The Associate Director shall perform other duties as assigned. These duties shall comprise 5% of this role. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty (including the ability to travel), as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least two years of full-time experience in development, fundraising, or closely related work
• Experience in building donor/alumni relationships with stakeholders and individuals at all levels
• Experience working with volunteers and advisory boards
• Ability to travel and work irregular hours as needed
• Demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to confidently represent the School of Law and the university in a professional manner
• Experience and proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of full-time experience in development, fundraising, or closely related work
• Experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education
• Familiarity with the Arkansas legal community
• Experience managing data, executive correspondence, and communications
• Experience with higher education and a university campus culture
• Graduate of the University of Arkansas
• Established network of relationships with donors and prospective donors that will help generate private gift support
• Experience with relational CRM or database

Responsibilities

• The Associate Director manages and builds an active portfolio of major gift prospects and is responsible for initiating and cultivating relationships that will lead to major gift solicitation.
• The Associate Director assists the development and external relations team in planning and implementing strategies to secure major gifts.
• The Associate Director works to secure private gift support to meet the fundraising objectives established by the Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor and Dean each year.
• The Associate Director is responsible for securing private gift support at a pre-determined level, timely completion of Reports of Contact (ROC) with a follow-up “next step” (visits by videoconferencing on Zoom or Teams, or in-person visits are counted upon submission of a ROC), developing strategies for soliciting individuals in the assigned portfolio, planning travel on a quarterly basis (three calendar months) and executing travel plans to meet donors.
• The Associate Director coordinates special projects for the Development Office related to alumni engagement activities, major donor research and special events.
• The Associate Director provides assistance in managing the Law Alumni Society, annual giving programs, and stewardship for student scholarships.
• The Associate Director identifies key alumni to fill volunteer leadership roles for Reunion Weekend and manages the Reunion Class Gift Challenge program as well as provides support to volunteers.
• The Associate Director assists the director in all donor-related activities, performs administrative duties as assigned, and adheres to University Development policies and procedures.
• The Associate Director shall perform other duties as assigned.
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty (including the ability to travel), as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees