Director of Development for CHASSE

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Director of Development for the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) is a front-line fundraiser responsible for generating private philanthropic support for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, the Director builds and manages a portfolio of high-value current and prospective donors through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The role contributes to the University’s Centennial Fundraising Campaign and requires frequent personal visits and consistent gift production. The position develops major gift and planned giving relationships, supports fundraising priorities such as endowed chairs, fellowships, and scholarships, and prepares proposals and materials for individual, corporate, and foundation prospects. It collaborates with university stakeholders, attends related events, and documents donor activity in the donor management system. The position is governed by state and federal laws and institutional policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
1–3 years of professional experience in program management, recruiting, sales/fundraising, or business development in an academic or business setting.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask effectively.
Ability to engage and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, students, and community members.
Proficiency in preparing proposals, presentations, and gift agreements.
Knowledge of estate planning and financial instruments, including wills and trusts.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel in and out of state, including overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of fundraising or development experience.
Understanding of large, complex, decentralized public higher education institutions.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects ($10,000+) and planned giving prospects, meeting regularly with donors to cultivate relationships and solicit gifts aligned with College priorities.
Enhance fundraising strategies to increase individual and corporate support for endowed chairs, fellowships, scholarships, and other funding needs.
Conduct at least ten meaningful face-to-face visits each week with donors and prospects.
Meet yearly performance goals for major gift asks and closes and overall annual closed fundraising amount.
Meet a dedicated goal for major gift asks and closes related to CHASSE priorities.
Tailor cultivation and solicitation efforts to donor interests and the College’s strategic goals.
Personally qualify prospective donors as major gift or planned giving candidates.
Write solicitation proposals for individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, emphasizing pipeline development and sustained corporate philanthropy.
Identify prospective donors through research, networking, and referrals.
Prepare planned giving marketing materials and accurately record donor interactions and goals in the donor management system.
Attend campus, departmental, and development-related events in support of fundraising objectives.
Collaborate with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement to determine fundraising priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.