Senior Director of Advancement

About the role

The Senior Director of Advancement leads major gift fundraising for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. This senior front‑line position is responsible for securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts and advancing the university’s highest fundraising priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Personally cultivate, solicit, and close major and principal gifts of $100,000 and above, targeting $1 million opportunities.
• Build and manage a portfolio of high‑capacity donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations aligned with university priorities.
• Identify new prospects, re‑engage untapped donors, and advance existing relationships toward larger commitments.
• Develop individualized donor strategies with defined asks, timelines, and action steps.
• Conduct at least ten meaningful face‑to‑face donor visits weekly.
• Lead complex solicitations, including multiyear pledges and planned gifts, coordinating with university leaders.
• Prepare compelling proposals and coordinate participation of senior university officials in donor engagements.
• Collaborate with advancement leadership and academic leaders to define fundable priorities and coordinate outreach.
• Maintain accurate donor records, activity reports, and stewardship documentation in the donor management system.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE credential preferred.
• At least five years of progressive fundraising experience with a proven record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts.
• Experience managing major‑gift donor portfolios and personal solicitation.
• Knowledge of large, complex, decentralized public higher‑education institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals, develop new relationships, and manage complex cultivation strategies.