Director of Development

Posting Number NC00148P

Quick Link for Position https://jobs.uafs.edu/postings/1793

Working Title Director of Development

Position Number

Department Office of VC Advancement

About the University

For more than 6,000 students each semester, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a dynamic and diverse learning community with a student-centered approach focused on the success of the individual. Small class sizes combine with innovative, hands-on learning and research experiences alongside expert faculty to ensure students receive a future-focused education at the most affordable tuition rate in the state. The University has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1928 and now offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students for success in the global workforce. UAFS is one of 21 academic institutions and affiliates governed by the University of Arkansas System.

The second-largest city in the state, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. Established in 1817 as a frontier military post, Fort Smith is now a vibrant and growing city featuring a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options, including a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Natural State’s plentiful trails, mountains, forests, parks, and waterways, both within the city limits and throughout the surrounding area. The city is also within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Memphis.

The UAFS campus is comprised of 77 buildings and facilities located on 170 beautifully-manicured acres and crowned with the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. Students who choose to live on campus may do so in one of two residence hall complexes, complete with a full-service dining center, or the on-campus apartment complex for married students and upperclassmen. Campus involvement is encouraged by participation in more than 100 registered student organizations, which includes academic societies, a dynamic Greek life system, intramural sports, and cultural/special interest groups. The UAFS Lions compete in the NCAA Division II Lonestar Conference in men’s baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, golf, cross country, and tennis.

About the College / Department

Position Summary

This position will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors as well as assist the Senior Director of Development on major gift strategy. This position will work strategically with College/Division leadership and the University Advancement division to design and grow a long-term, sustainable development program.

Summary of Job Duties

• Plan and execute annual and long-term strategic goals through a comprehensive philanthropic program for the overall leadership and management of the University.
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ prospects in an effort to secure gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Design visits/meetings that utilize faculty, staff and/or students, both on and off campus, in order to provide donors/prospects with a personalized experience.
• Manage individual stewardship plan for assigned prospects and work closely with donor relations to ensure stewardship from a broader inclusive perspective.
• Work with advancement services to identify new prospects for pipeline of new discovery visits.
• Generate written proposals and grants to submit to prospects as well as to Corporations and Foundations in an effort to generate funding for College/Division/Institution.
• Responsible for developing relationships with and between faculty and alumni, friends, and corporate and foundation leaders that result in effective partnering and increased philanthropic funding for the university.
• Attend University and Foundation events in an effort to continuously identify new prospects and cultivate relationships of current donors.
• Educate and inform the faculty, staff and administrators within university about the fundraising process.
• Establish and maintain electronic files; retrieve information as necessary.
• Provide support to staff and campus on special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include bachelor’s degree and three years of direct fundraising experience. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for some of these requirements.

Please ensure that all relevant application materials include details addressing the minimum qualifications. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will be disqualified from consideration.

License(s)/Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include master’s degree and five years of direct and successful fundraising experience. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement major gift strategic planning and solicitation strategies in support of strategic initiatives, while operating under clear performance/activity metrics. Demonstrated ability to actively listen to and communicate with all levels of internal and external constituents, specifically, advisory boards, volunteers, and donor prospects. Success in a major gift fundraising campaign. Familiarity with the city of Fort Smith and the River Valley Region.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the implementation of complex information systems, prospect tracking, research, records, tax laws, basic financial planning, and deferred giving strategies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills, including working well with a team
• Planning and organizational skills, including ability to prioritize work activities and use time efficiently
• Strong computer skills
• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, and gather and analyze information
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and monitor own work to ensure quality
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment, manage competing demands, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events
• Ability to multi-task and delegate responsibility
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Special Job Dimensions

Work performed primarily in an office/classroom setting. Occasional travel and extended hours required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. Required abilities include walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. Visual demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 10 pounds.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday 8 am-5 pm

Salary $65,000-$75,000

Benefits

Background Check / Pre-Employment Screening

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non- discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Does this position require a background check? Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check

Open Date 03/30/2021

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Open until filled. For full consideration, apply by May 14th, 2021.

Anticipated start date

EEO Statement

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

UA Fort Smith provides equal employment, admission, and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or gender identify. The University abides by all applicable employment laws.

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, the University is committed to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees with regard to recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, training, fringe benefits and all other aspects of employment.