The Director of Donor Relations and Events will provide leadership, vision, and strategic planning for donor stewardship initiatives by sustaining a comprehensive donor recognition program to strengthen existing donor commitment to the university and forge new relationships to build visibility, impact, and financial resources. This position will plan and execute strategic stewardship and cultivation initiatives and events, donor outreach and communications, donor recognition, acknowledgments, and stewardship plan reports. This individual will serve as the liaison with senior leadership on donor gifts and the development of stewardship plans for top donors. Job Duties and Responsibilities Develop and maintain a high-quality stewardship process for UCA donors Demonstrate the value of the UCA-donor relationship at every step in the gifting process, especially after a gift is made Maintain knowledge of trends in stewardship and donor relations and educate colleagues regarding best practices Develop, implement, and lead a successful, integrated donor relations program that strategically targets all levels of giving, as defined by the Development team Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure donor records and data are available for reporting Plan and execute Advancement donor events Develop, manage and distribute endowment and impact reports to donors Create innovative programs and projects to thank and steward donors Implement best practices in donor acknowledgment letters and tax receipts Use donor-behavior data to enhance relationships and increase the likelihood of continued contributions Work closely with Development staff to report on gift use, communicate gift impact, and celebrate contributions Manage giving societies and develop programming aimed at building stronger, deeper relationships with our donors Other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The ability to create, execute, and oversee a comprehensive, campus-wide donor acknowledgment and recognition plan Proven ability to plan and executive high-level events Proven skills and ability to manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion, including the ability to build consensus among team members and balance multiple concurrent priorities Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community Skills Considered Essential for Success -Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.-Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.-Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.-Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.-Ability to make sound judgments.-Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.-Civility in all interactions.-Demonstrate effective follow-up. Required Education and/or Experience Detail oriented Good follow-through Excellent written and verbal communication skills Professionalism, judgment, and discretion when handling confidential information Minimum of five years of work experience, preferably with experience in donor relations Superior organizational skills Ability to work collaboratively or independently without supervision High level of computer literacy and ability to learn new software quickly Strong technology proficiency with a proactive approach to adopting and integrating new software solutions that improve workflow efficiency, communication, organization, and overall effectiveness Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret donor data, recognize engagement and giving trends, and implement data-informed stewardship strategies that enhance donor retention and philanthropic growth Preferred Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree Professional work experience in donor relations Experience planning and executing high level events Experience using a CRM University, Campus, and Community Description Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas. Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities. Desired start date 07/01/2026 Position Summary and Qualifications License(s)/ Certifications Physical Demands Checklist Sitting Physical Exertion Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds, Primarily indoor work Posting Detail Information