New

Associate Director of Development

University of Arkansas
United States, Arkansas, Fayetteville
Mar 31, 2026
Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students." University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Student Jobs at UAF." All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date: 04/14/2026 Type of Position:Major Gifts Workstudy Position: No Job Type:Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations. The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation's strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations \| OEOC \| University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351. Department:Law Director of Development Department's Website: Summary of Job Duties:The University of Arkansas School of Law recently entered its second century, marking a legacy of historic advances in legal education in Arkansas and pointing towards a future of impactful research, teaching, and service that will transform lives in the fulfillment of the institution's land-grant mission and the pursuit of equal justice under law. We are currently seeking a passionate individual to join us as the Associate Director of Development. The Associate Director of Development plays a major role in raising private gift support for the School of Law. In this role, the Associate Director manages and builds an active portfolio of major gift prospects and is responsible for initiating and cultivating relationships that will lead to major gift solicitation. This position requires a high level of initiative, creative and strategic thinking, collegiality, collaboration, confidentiality, ability to follow direction, and the ability to build relationships with University team members and stakeholders, and prospective and existing benefactors. This position reports to the Director of Development and External Relations in the School of Law. The Associate Director of Development assists the development and external relations team in planning and implementing strategies to secure major gifts. In this role, the Associate Director works to secure private gift support to meet the fundraising objectives established by the Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellor and Dean each year. The successful performance of the position of Associate Director of Development directly correlates to meeting the metrics required for this position. The Associate Director is responsible for securing private gift support at a pre-determined level, timely completion of Reports of Contact (ROC) with a follow-up "next step" (visits by videoconferencing on Zoom or Teams, or in-person visits are counted upon submission of a ROC), developing strategies for soliciting individuals in the assigned portfolio, planning travel on a quarterly basis (three calendar months) and executing travel plans to meet donors. Except for conflicting donor visits, the Associate Director is expected to be present in person for all scheduled Advancement Division meetings and to meet with the Dean and other members of the Advancement Division team assigned to the college. These duties shall comprise 75% of the time for this role. The Associate Director coordinates special projects for the Development Office related to alumni engagement activities, major donor research and special events. The Associate Director provides assistance in managing the Law Alumni Society, annual giving programs, and stewardship for student scholarships. The Associate Director identifies key alumni to fill volunteer leadership roles for Reunion Weekend and manages the Reunion Class Gift Challenge program as well as provides support to volunteers. The Associate Director assists the director in all donor-related activities, performs administrative duties as assigned, and adheres to University Development policies and procedures. These duties shall comprise 20% of the time for this role. The Associate Director shall perform other duties as assigned. These duties shall comprise 5% of this role. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty (including the ability to travel), as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education At least two years of full-time experience in development, fundraising, or closely related work Experience in building donor/alumni relationships with stakeholders and individuals at all levels Experience working with volunteers and advisory boards Ability to travel and work irregular hours as needed Demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills Ability to confidently represent the School of Law and the university in a professional manner Experience and proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite Preferred Qualifications: Three or more years of full-time experience in development, fundraising, or closely related work Experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education Familiarity with the Arkansas legal community Experience managing data, executive correspondence, and communications Experience with higher education and a university campus culture Graduate of the University of Arkansas Established network of relationships with donors and prospective donors that will help generate private gift support Experience with relational CRM or database Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Demonstrated energy and passion for major gift fundraising, the School of Law, and the University Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills Ability to follow up with prospects and donors Strong organizational and interpersonal skills in building relationships with various stakeholders and interacting with individuals at all levels in a professional manner Ability to set and achieve work goals and work effectively alone and with a team Ability to work well under the pressure of deadlines and fundraising goals Ability to travel frequently on behalf of the University and work irregular hours as needed Ability to engage with others and execute portfolio activities, including: Collaborate with development leadership and development director to create high-level cultivation plans that meet ambitious fundraising goals Track, manage, and prioritize donor cultivation and solicitation strategies Strategize, write, and edit high-quality grant proposals and reports Develop and execute consistent communication (reports of contact, monthly check-in agendas, etc.) with colleagues Consistently identify, research, and qualify new prospects for the portfolio. The initial portfolio will be approximately 40 - 60 principal/co-principal assignments Manage all administrative tasks related to the portfolio including data entry, gift agreement review, gift acknowledgements, and compliance activities. A passion for working "on the road" Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising - able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contacts with potential donors; (2) to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers and senior University administrators; (3) to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) to make solicitations when appropriate; (5) to maintain stewardship contacts with donors Superb oral, written, and interpersonal skills Solid relationship-building skills, able to interface with alumni, donors, volunteers, leading faculty, administrators, and trustees Ability to work collegially within Advancement and across all University units Mission-aligned with the University's pillars: student success, research excellence and employer of choice initiatives Guided by the highest integrity Goal-driven as evidenced by persistence and competitiveness to achieve fundraising objectives Additional Information: Salary Information: $75,092.00 Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume Optional Documents: Proof of Veteran Status Recruitment Contact Information: Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Special Instructions to Applicants: Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity:Talking Frequent Physical Activity:Talking Occasional Physical Activity:Talking Benefits Eligible:Yes