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

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

Job

Final date to receive applications: 7/24/2026

Category:
Advancement

Company:
University of Oregon

Locations: US-OR-Eugene | US-OR-Portland

• Opportunity to build and shape a regional donor pipeline
• Highly external‑facing with regional travel
• Strong pathway into major gift fundraising roles
• Opportunity to be part of the impact at a Big 10 University

As the Senior Associate Director of Development, you will play a critical role in building the future pipeline of major gift donors for the University of Oregon. The position focuses on managing discovery and early‑stage donors, cultivating relationships, and securing gifts in the $25,000–$100,000 range while building toward a major gift ($100,000+) portfolio. The role is highly external‑facing and requires frequent travel and proactive outreach across the California and Hawai‘i region.

Fundraising & Pipeline Development

• Manage a portfolio of discovery and early‑stage donors, focusing on gifts in the $25,000–$100,000 range while building toward a $100,000+ 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.

Strategy & Collaboration

• 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.

Relationship Building & Stewardship

• 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.

Planning & Execution

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising.
• Demonstrated success closing major gifts ($100,000+) or equivalent high‑value transactions.

• Salary: $75,000–$80,000 annually.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

Learn more about University Advancement: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Learn more about benefits here: /benefits

The University of Oregon is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. University Advancement actively promotes equity and inclusion, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences in building meaningful connections with its global community.