Associate Director for Development - Leadership Gifts

Job Details Location: Forest Grove Campus, Forest Grove, OR 97116 Position Type: Exempt Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $72,000.00 Reports to: Senior Director of Development General Description of Position The Associate Director of Leadership Giving will manage an assigned pool of prospective donors throughout the entire fundraising process, encompassing discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This role focuses on mid‑level prospects to build a robust pipeline of major gift prospects, primarily alumni, friends, and families, raising support for the greatest needs, scholarships, and university initiatives. Gift conversations include annual fund, endowed, and capital gift components. Responsibilities Design and proactively manage strategies for the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 250+ donors, concentrating on gifts within the Leadership Annual Giving range ($1,000‑$5,000). Develop and execute strategic fundraising and engagement efforts by designing, implementing, evaluating, and refining development activities to drive donor retention, reactivation, acquisition, and pipeline growth. Develop and submit written proposals and collateral materials as needed to secure philanthropic gifts. Work within the University‑wide prospect management system with the Director of Prospect Management & Analytics to identify and prioritize prospects, prepare background information, make contacts or assignments, and follow up to ensure completion of assigned solicitations. Assume responsibility for core fundraising metrics, including face‑to‑face visits with prospects, identification of new prospects, growth in cumulative giving from the prospect portfolio, and total dollars raised. Collaborate with other Development team members to achieve common goals while meeting individual targets for visits and other activities. Establish and maintain strong working relationships between Deans/Directors; collaborate with department heads and faculty to provide guidance and coordinate development efforts; assist College‑specific councils and volunteers in achieving their philanthropic goals as needed. Secondary Functions Perform other duties as assigned in support of University Advancement and institutional priorities. Job Scope This position serves as a key member of the Development team, requiring high‑level communication with the supervisor and colleagues to ensure the unit works together to accomplish common goals. Supervisor Responsibility Occasional oversight: provide guidance or task‑specific oversight to student workers, interns, or temporary staff. Qualifications Required Education and/Or Experience Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience preferably in higher education. Preferred: Experience with constituent relations software (e.g., Raisers Edge) or similar CRM. Required Qualifications Communicates appropriately with students, faculty, staff, and the public. Builds on basic learning and transfers it to new situations. Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision‑making. Asks questions and seeks assistance. Seeks responsibility to eliminate the source of problems. Maintains confidentiality regarding information pertaining to all students, faculty, and staff. Maintains proper appearance and personal conduct for the employee’s particular job. Uses effective communication skills, considering body language, filters, listening, paraphrasing, and questions in all interactions. Demonstrates ability to work in a team environment. Exhibits good judgment and a clear understanding of ethics related to development activities. Maintains discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others. Upholds a high level of confidentiality regarding University business and confidential prospect information. Proficient in fundraising techniques, including proposal development, prospect identification, program planning, fund solicitation, and donor tracking. Possesses strong database management skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers. Ability to work independently while fostering effective working relationships within a team environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or mission‑driven environment. Familiarity with project management, event management, or CRM tools (e.g., Raiser's Edge). Demonstrated experience working with people across a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Working Conditions This position is based on Pacific’s Forest Grove Campus but may require occasional travel to other campuses within the Portland Metro Area and some regional travel. It requires the ability and willingness to work evening and weekend hours occasionally. The role is primarily sedentary office work, with occasional standing, walking, twisting, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects that weigh up to 25 pounds. Communication will be via phone, email, online meetings, and in person. Work Environment The position operates in a professional university office environment with frequent collaboration across departments. Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular use of standard office equipment and technology. The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and engage with a wide range of campus and external partners. Some evening and weekend work may be required to support university events, deadlines, or peak periods of activity. Hybrid / Remote Work Eligibility Hybrid Schedule Expectations Regular evening and/or weekend responsibilities Travel Requirements Some travel required Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. It involves sedentary work, standing, walking, moving between campus locations and event sites, lifting, carrying or moving light materials or equipment up to approximately 25 pounds, and working at a computer for extended periods. Communication skills via phone, email, and electronic means are required. Compensation and Benefits Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave) Medical coverage with alternative care options (in‑network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction) Comprehensive dental and vision plans Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required Free mental health appointments Tuition remission for employees and their dependent children who meet eligibility requirements On‑campus benefits, including free access to sports facility and library Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes) Equal Opportunity Employment Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups. Notice of Non‑Discrimination Policy Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, TitleIX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR97116 or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Pacific University