Senior Associate Director of Development, California and Hawaii Region

University of Oregon•Eugene, OR

2d•$75,000 - $80,000•Remote

About The Position

The University of Oregon (UO) is a flagship public research institution known for its strong sense of community, innovation, and impact. University Advancement plays a critical role in advancing UO’s mission by building meaningful relationships with alumni and supporters around the world. Regional Philanthropy at the University of Oregon plays a critical role in expanding the university’s reach and impact beyond campus by building meaningful relationships with alumni and donors across key geographic markets. As the Senior Associate Director of Development, you will play a critical role in building the future pipeline of major gift donors for the University of Oregon. This is an ideal opportunity for a relationship-driven fundraiser who enjoys identifying new prospects, growing donor engagement, and helping move individuals along the path to transformational giving. In this role, you will manage a portfolio focused on discovery and early-stage donors, cultivating relationships and securing gifts in the $25K–$100K range while building toward a major gift ($100K+) portfolio. You will lead all aspects of the donor lifecycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—partnering closely with colleagues across University Advancement to align donor interests with institutional priorities. This is a highly external-facing role requiring frequent travel and proactive outreach. You will work across a regional model, engaging alumni, parents, and friends of the university while contributing to broader fundraising strategy and pipeline development efforts. This role is ideal for a motivated fundraiser who thrives on building relationships, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is excited about developing donors into long-term philanthropic partners. You will play a key role in strengthening the university’s donor pipeline while gaining experience that prepares you for future major gift leadership roles.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of skills and experience
Three years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field (e.g., sales, business development)
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and successfully solicit gifts or close complex deals
Strong organizational and portfolio management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, matrixed environment
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Ability and willingness to travel frequently

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising
Demonstrated success closing major gifts ($100K+) or equivalent high-value transactions

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio focused on discovery and early-stage donors.
Cultivate relationships and secure gifts in the $25K–$100K range.
Build toward a major gift ($100K+) portfolio.
Lead all aspects of the donor lifecycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Partner closely with colleagues across University Advancement to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
Engage alumni, parents, and friends of the university across a regional model.
Contribute to broader fundraising strategy and pipeline development efforts.