Associate Director - Donor Experience

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Closing Date:

11/27/2026

Type of Position:

Management - Operations

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.
 

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click theApply link/button.

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 any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. 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.
 

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

Department:

IA | Donor Experience

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:

The Associate Director of Donor Experience is a frontline member of the UAMS Donor Experience Office (DXO), reporting directly to the Senior Director of Donor Experience. This position is responsible for engaging, cultivating, and stewarding donors giving $1,000–$4,999 annually, serving as the entry point into the DXO pipeline and a critical bridge between Annual Giving and mid-level philanthropic engagement.

The DXO functions as the connective tissue across Annual Giving, Major Giving, and Donor Relations at UAMS. The Associate Director operates at the base of this pipeline — receiving referrals from the Annual Giving team, qualifying new prospects for DXO engagement, identifying upgrade potential, and building the foundational donor relationships that feed the broader mid-level and major gift pipeline. This role is equally outward-facing and infrastructure-oriented: managing an active donor portfolio while also supporting the Story Bank, prospect identification, and content-driven stewardship that power the DXO operating model.

The ideal candidate is energized by discovery — finding the right story for the right donor, identifying a prospect’s philanthropic potential, and building relationships from the ground up. They are organized, curious, collaborative, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial team environment. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply and explore the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through philanthropy!.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus three (3) years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, alumni relations, annual giving, or a related field, including direct donor contact and relationship or portfolio management required.
• CRM/database experience is also required.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple relationships and priorities with discipline and consistency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort with databases or CRM systems (Affinaquest or equivalent preferred).
• Demonstrated aptitude for technology and interest in CRM-based automation (workflows, email journeys, segmentation), with the ability to learn new tools quickly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, public works, business, philanthropy, or marketing.
• CFRE credential or progress toward CFRE.
• Active involvement in AFP or other professional fundraising organizations.
• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including mid-level or major gift portfolio management, preferably in a healthcare, academic medical center, higher education, or nonprofit setting.
• Experience in annual giving, pipeline development, or donor qualification.
• Familiarity with mid-level giving programs, grateful patient fundraising, or affinity-based engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to source and communicate donor impact stories.
• Experience making direct gift asks or renewal requests.
• Hands-on experience building and managing automated donor or marketing communications (e.g., CRM workflows, email journey or marketing automation platforms).

Responsibilities:

• Manage and cultivate relationships with mid-level donors contributing $1,000–$4,999 annually, focusing on donor retention, renewals, upgrades, and identifying prospects for major and planned giving.
• Develop personalized outreach and stewardship strategies through phone calls, emails, handwritten correspondence, events, and meaningful donor recognition opportunities.
• Partner with Annual Giving, Major Gift Officers, and internal teams to identify, qualify, and advance prospective donors through the giving pipeline.
• Coordinate direct mail and email solicitation campaigns, develop compelling donor communications, and share impactful stories that connect philanthropic interests with UAMS initiatives.
• Maintain the DXO Story Bank by identifying, organizing, and sharing donor-focused stories that highlight UAMS programs, funding priorities, and philanthropic impact.
• Utilize Affinaquest to maintain accurate donor records, manage engagement workflows, automate communications, and support personalized donor outreach.
• Monitor donor retention, upgrades, referrals, outreach activities, and campaign performance to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with Development, Annual Giving, Donor Relations, Marketing, and college-level partners while maintaining donor confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA, FERPA, and established fundraising standards.
• Explore emerging technology, AI-assisted tools, and digital engagement strategies to improve fundraising processes, expand donor engagement, and strengthen the overall donor experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support UAMS fundraising and development initiatives.

Qualifications Equivalencies:

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Resume

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please contact [email protected] for any recruiting related questions.

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

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity.  The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. 

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Crawling, Crouching, Driving, Kneeling, Reaching, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes