Executive Director of Planned Giving

Closing Date:

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation's strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited institution of higher education

• At least seven years of demonstrated success as a planned giving officer, a major gift officer with successful outcomes or in a closely related field such as tax or estate law, or financial planning

• Demonstrated record of proposal and stewardship activity

• Demonstrated management skills in leading highly successful teams

• Demonstrated success in quickly establishing rapport and building trust with prospects

• Excellent writing skills with extreme attention to detail and confidence, and strong verbal communication

• Experience working and collaborating with volunteers

• Willingness to travel on behalf of the University and work irregular hours if needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful participation in a major giving campaign (preferably in higher education)

• Familiarity with the University of Arkansas campus, the Division of Advancement and the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc.

• Possesses an existing network of estate attorneys, demonstrating strong professional connections and the ability to facilitate comprehensive estate planning discussions

• Demonstrated leadership experience, including serving on or leading professional boards and committees

• Graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

• Deep knowledge of the state of Arkansas

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the fundraising landscape in higher education

• Knowledge of complex and planned gifts

• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, faculty, and University leadership, with an emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion

• Skill in using Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Skill in in using a database CRM, specifically Salesforce, Workday and any other management tools used by the university

• Skill in navigating complex environments with evolving priorities

• Ability to display a collaborative style combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment

• Ability to be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects

• Ability to be analytical, with adherence to self-guided goals and deadlines

• Ability to cultivate and solicit private gifts from high-level prospects

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to university business and confidential donor and prospect information

• Ability to receive constructive feedback on ideas and be a creative problem solver

• Ability to respond to donor needs and concerns in a kind and professional way

Additional Information:

University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

The Advancement team is committed to a donor-centric approach to philanthropy and every team member plays a vital role in providing benefactors with the service and attention that ensures an exceptionally positive and fulfilling philanthropic experience.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.