Senior Director of Advancement

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

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 role 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. The position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. It is a regular, benefits-eligible, day-shift position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The role may require evening, weekend, and holiday work, along with in-state and out-of-state travel, including overnight stays.

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 and ability to travel in and out of state, including overnight stays.

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 developing 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 solicitation and closure timelines.
Secure support for endowed scholarships, program excellence, academic programs, the living and learning environment, and other strategic University priorities.
Conduct at least ten 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.
Lead complex gift solicitations, including multiyear pledges, planned gifts, and gifts involving multiple University priorities, in coordination with 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 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; 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.