Associate Director of Development -Major Gifts

Job Details

Description

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION :

The Associate Director of Development – Major Gifts plays a vital role in cultivating and strengthening relationships with a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, with a focus on individuals capable of making gifts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 or more. This field-based position involves frequent travel and direct, in-person engagement with alumni, families, and friends of the university. The primary fundraising priorities include scholarships and other key university initiatives.

We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented professional who is inspired by the power of philanthropy and dedicated to advancing the university’s mission. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator and relationship-builder who can thoughtfully engage current and prospective donors, encouraging them to make meaningful, transformative gifts.

The Associate Director of Development – Major Gifts will work closely with senior advancement staff to execute strategies that grow the donor base, enhance donor engagement, and increase overall fundraising outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Portfolio Management : Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-150 mid-level and major gift donors and prospects, with giving capacity of $5,000 to $25,000 or more. Ensure consistent stewardship and personalized communication to cultivate long-term, meaningful relationships.
• Donor Engagement : Cultivate, solicit, and steward mid-level donors through personalized strategies that align their philanthropic interests with university priorities. Engage donors through a combination of phone, email, and in-person meetings, including regular travel to strategically important regions to build and strengthen relationships.
• Solicitation and Stewardship : Develop and implement solicitation strategies to increase donor support and deepen engagement. Collaborate with senior gift officers and advancement staff to prepare proposals, reports, and customized solicitation materials. Ensure timely and thoughtful acknowledgment and stewardship of all gifts.
• Strategic Planning and Reporting : Contribute to the development of annual plans and goals for mid-level giving, emphasizing donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth. Monitor progress toward key metrics, identify growth opportunities, and support efforts to expand the donor pipeline.
• Collaboration with Team Members : Work closely with other members of the University Advancement team, including development staff, marketing, and alumni relations, to ensure coordinated efforts and a unified approach to donor engagement.
• Database Management : Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and engagement in the fundraising database. Ensure data is up-to-date and manage donor records with integrity, ensuring effective tracking of giving history, preferences, and interactions.
• Travel and Donor Visits : Regularly travel—both in-state and out-of-state—to meet with current and prospective donors. Plan and execute visits that are strategically aligned with donor interests and university priorities. This includes managing travel logistics, preparing tailored materials, and fostering long-term relationship development through meaningful in-person engagement.
• Event Support : Attend and support university events that involve or target donors. This includes occasional evening, or weekend work to ensure successful execution of engagement and fundraising activities.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS :

JOB SCOPE :

This position is a key member of the Development team and requires consistent collaboration with the supervisor and Advancement colleagues to ensure alignment toward shared fundraising and engagement goals.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY :

None.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE :

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS :

Personal Attributes :

WORKING CONDITIONS :

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES :

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Offers of employment at Pacific University are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and completion of a background check.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that every one is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include :

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 committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION 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, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII 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, OR 97116 or via email at .