Director of Development & External Relations

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Director of Development & External Relations reports to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and the Dean of the Law School. The Director is responsible for raising money within the identified priorities at the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law, emphasizing managing a major giving portfolio. This position will primarily focus on growing major gift production through ongoing identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation, leading to productivity toward reaching Centennial Campaign goals. Measurable metrics will include but are not limited to face-to-face visits with prospects and successful major gift solicitations. All fundraising initiatives will be discussed with the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement and the Dean of the Law School to determine if they meet the fundraising priorities of the School of Law and the University. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required
Three (3) or more years of fundraising/development or transferable administrative experience
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong organizational skills and the ability to perform and manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
Knowledge of successful institutional development and legal development strategies and practices

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in Communications or Marketing
Understanding of large, complex, decentralized public institutions, especially those with a legal focus, or public universities
Demonstrated record of ability consistently to set and achieve high standards for exceptional work

Responsibilities

Work with the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement and the Dean of the Law School to determine appropriate fundraising priorities for the School of Law and University
Develop and refine fundraising efforts to increase support to provide new resources for faculty and students in the form of Centennial Campaign priorities such as endowed professorships, fellowships and scholarships, building and equipment funds, student success funding, and unrestricted funds
Develop and manage a dynamic major gift ($10,000+level) portfolio of donors and prospects, meeting regularly with prospects to assess giving ability, cultivate relationships, solicit gifts meeting school and university priorities in the major gift range
Identify prospective donors with the support of the prospect research arm of the UA Little Rock Office of Alumni and Development through community networking and referrals from key stakeholders
Perform a minimum of five meaningful face-to-face visits weekly linked to an approved portfolio of major gift donors and prospects
Meet with prospective donors personally to qualify them as major gift prospects
Driving will be required to visit donors, in Central Arkansas and elsewhere, and to attend events off campus
Prepare proposals, presentations, and resulting gift agreements
Regularly document meaningful contacts reports in the donor management system to capture key details such as donor preferences, interests, giving patterns, and personal anecdotes that preserve an understanding of the donor's motivations and interests
Develop detailed goal statements and engagement plans for prospects leading to gift solicitations for potential major donors consistent with established needs and priorities of the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law
Help develop, recruit, and engage the Alumni Board of the Bowen School of Law to ensure these volunteer leaders are involved in helping to reach fundraising goals and serve the school with their time and considerable expertise
Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events as approved by University Administration and the Dean of the Law School
Provide leadership and vision of staff responsible for alumni engagement and annual giving
Participate in a weekly production meeting with University private gift production staff to inform a broader community on key fundraising initiatives at the Bowen School of Law and to help with continual collaboration toward reaching overall campaign goals
Performs other duties as assigned