Senior Associate Director of Development, California and Hawaii Region - University of Oregon
About The Position
This role is all about donor relationships and pipeline management- managing early-stage donors and helping grow future major gift prospects, with a focus on gifts in the $25K–$100K range. The Senior Associate Director of Development (California and Hawai’i) 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 education and experience
- 3+ 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 of discovery and early-stage donors, focusing on gifts in the $25K–$100K range while building toward a $100K+ major gift portfolio
- Identify, qualify, and cultivate new prospects through outreach, meetings, events, and strategic engagement
- Develop and execute individualized strategies to move donors through the pipeline toward increased giving
- Prepare proposals, case statements, and communications to support donor engagement and solicitations
- Travel to engage donors and prospects and build strong relationships
- Partner with Regional Philanthropy and University Advancement colleagues to align outreach and fundraising strategies
- Collaborate with annual giving, gift planning, principal gifts, and prospect development teams to strengthen the donor pipeline
- Contribute to regional fundraising plans and development strategies that support institutional priorities
- Coordinate with development officers and campus partners to ensure effective donor engagement and strategy alignment
- Build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university to deepen engagement and inspire giving
- Ensure timely and thoughtful stewardship of donors through recognition, communication, and events
- Partner with faculty, administrators, and volunteers to connect donors with high-impact opportunities
- Represent the university with professionalism and credibility in all interactions
- Set and achieve annual fundraising goals aligned with team and institutional objectives
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor activity in CRM systems
- Support planning and execution of donor events and engagement opportunities
- Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture
Benefits
- Relocation assistance available
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement plans, and generous paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
