Senior Associate Director of Development, California and Hawaii Region - University of Oregon

About the role

The Senior Associate Director of Development will play a critical role in building the future pipeline of major gift donors for the University of Oregon. This is an ideal opportunity for a relationship-driven fundraiser who enjoys identifying new prospects, growing donor engagement, and helping move individuals along the path to transformational giving.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of discovery and early-stage donors, focusing on gifts in the $25K–$100K range while building toward a $100K+ major gift portfolio
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new prospects through outreach, meetings, events, and strategic engagement
• Develop and execute individualized strategies to move donors through the pipeline toward increased giving
• Prepare proposals, case statements, and communications to support donor engagement and solicitations
• Travel to engage donors and prospects and build strong relationships
• Partner with Regional Philanthropy and University Advancement colleagues to align outreach and fundraising strategies
• Collaborate with annual giving, gift planning, principal gifts, and prospect development teams to strengthen the donor pipeline
• Contribute to regional fundraising plans and development strategies that support institutional priorities
• Coordinate with development officers and campus partners to ensure effective donor engagement and strategy alignment
• Build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the university to deepen engagement and inspire giving
• Ensure timely and thoughtful stewardship of donors through recognition, communication, and events
• Partner with faculty, administrators, and volunteers to connect donors with high-impact opportunities
• Represent the university with professionalism and credibility in all interactions
• Set and achieve annual fundraising goals aligned with team and institutional objectives
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor activity in CRM systems
• Support planning and execution of donor events and engagement opportunities
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field (e.g., sales, business development)
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and successfully solicit gifts or close complex deals
• Strong organizational and portfolio management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, matrixed environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising
• Demonstrated success closing major gifts ($100K+) or equivalent high-value transactions

Pay

$75,000–$80,000 annually

Schedule

Two days per week onsite in Eugene or Portland, OR with approximately one week of travel per month (about 10 trips annually)