Senior Director of Advancement

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Advancement of Development is a senior front-line fundraiser responsible for securing significant private philanthropic support for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, this position develops and manages a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects across the University, with a primary emphasis on personally soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure major and principal gifts. The Senior Director of Development advances the University's highest fundraising priorities through donor discovery, strategic cultivation, direct solicitation, and stewardship. Success is measured by substantial gift commitments, growth in the major and principal gift pipeline, and achievement of annual fundraising goals. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Demonstrated success personally soliciting and closing gifts and advancing donor relationships toward commitments
Demonstrated ability to meet goals, develop new relationships, and manage complex cultivation and solicitation strategies
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive cases for significant philanthropic investment
Ability to build trust with high-capacity donors and confidently solicit and negotiate substantial gift commitments
Strong judgment, initiative, and organizational skills, with the ability to independently manage complex donor relationships and sustain progress toward ambitious fundraising goals
Ability to work effectively with University leadership, faculty, Advancement colleagues, volunteers, and community partners
Proficiency in preparing donor strategies, proposals, presentations, and gift agreements
Knowledge of major and principal gift fundraising, planned giving vehicles, donor stewardship, and ethical fundraising practices
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Valid driver's license with the ability to travel in and out of state, including overnight stays
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment

Nice To Haves

At least five years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct responsibility for major gift donor portfolios and personal solicitation
Demonstrated success personally securing six and seven-figure gifts
Experience in comprehensive campaigns, planned giving, and corporate or foundation fundraising
Understanding of large, complex, decentralized public higher education institutions
Master's degree or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential

Responsibilities

Personally cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal gifts, with a primary focus on commitments of $100,000 or more and the development of opportunities for gifts of $1 million or more.
Build and manage a focused portfolio of high-capacity individuals, alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations whose interests align with University priorities.
Identify and personally qualify new prospects, re-engage donors with untapped giving potential, and advance existing relationships toward larger philanthropic commitments.
Develop and execute individualized donor strategies with defined gift opportunities, proposed ask amounts, action steps, and timelines for solicitation and closure.
Secure support for endowed scholarships, program excellence, academic programs, the living and learning environment, and other strategic University priorities.
Conduct a minimum of ten (10) meaningful face-to-face visits weekly with donors and prospects, emphasizing relationships that advance major and principal gift opportunities.
Meet annual performance goals established with Advancement leadership for dollars committed, major and principal gift asks and closes, donor visits, and qualified pipeline growth. Fundraising expectations will reflect the senior level of this position and its focus on larger gifts.
Lead complex gift solicitations, including commitments involving multiyear pledges, planned gifts, and multiple University priorities, in coordination with appropriate University and Foundation partners.
Prepare compelling proposals and coordinate the participation of the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, deans, faculty, and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation.
Provide meaningful stewardship that fulfills donor intent, demonstrates the impact of gifts, and creates opportunities for continued and increased support.
Collaborate with Advancement leadership, college development officers, and academic leaders to define fundable priorities and coordinate donor outreach across the University.
Partner with Advancement Services on prospect research, portfolio alignment, gift documentation, and stewardship reporting.
Maintain timely and accurate donor records, activity reports, proposals, projected gift amounts, and next steps in the donor management system.
Prepare donor briefings, solicitation plans, and portfolio reports; regularly review progress toward goals and adjust strategies to advance gifts toward closure.
Attend campus, community, and development-related events that support donor relationships and fundraising objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned.