Assistant Development Director

Position Announcement

Utah Valley University is seeking a relationship-focused and results-oriented Assistant Director of Development to advance the university's philanthropic priorities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, this position manages a portfolio of annual and mid-level donors and prospects, builds meaningful relationships through personalized cultivation and stewardship, and supports annual fundraising initiatives and strategic appeals. The successful candidate will combine strong communication, organization, and analytical skills with a donor-centered approach to increase engagement, retention, gift size, and long-term philanthropic support. This hybrid-eligible role offers the opportunity to collaborate with advancement colleagues and campus partners while strengthening UVU's donor pipeline and philanthropic impact.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Manages an assigned portfolio of annual and mid-level donors and prospects. Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors capable of making mid-level gifts. Develops individualized donor strategies to increase engagement, retention, gift size, and long-term philanthropic support. Conducts donor visits and meaningful contacts, records activity in the CRM, and collaborates with Directors of Development to transition qualified prospects into portfolios when appropriate.
• Develops and implements stewardship strategies that strengthen donor relationships and enhance the donor experience after a gift or engagement milestone. Coordinates personalized recognition, impact reporting, thank-you communications, and engagement opportunities. Works closely with Directors of Development and campus partners to ensure donors receive meaningful and timely stewardship that encourages continued support and long-term engagement.
• Supports annual fundraising initiatives, giving days, special appeals, and other strategic fundraising efforts. Collaborates with campus partners and advancement colleagues to execute donor outreach and engagement strategies that support university fundraising priorities and comply with Foundation policies and procedures.
• Identifies and researches prospective donors through outreach, referrals, event participation, and data analysis. Qualifies prospects for future portfolio assignments and collaborates with Directors of Development to strengthen the overall donor pipeline. Uses fundraising metrics and portfolio analysis to support donor movement and improve fundraising effectiveness.
• Participates in professional development opportunities, maintains knowledge of fundraising best practices, and contributes to division-wide initiatives that support Institutional Advancement goals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

• Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's related to the Summary of Duties or any combination of education and/or experience totaling four years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or advancement.
• Experience managing donor or client portfolios and meeting revenue or performance goals.
• Knowledge of fundraising databases, donor stewardship practices, and donor engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated understanding of major gift fundraising and donor pipeline development.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices related to donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management
• Knowledge of donor pipeline development and moves management strategies.
• Knowledge of donor engagement, stewardship programs, and constituent relationship management.
• Knowledge of public relations, marketing, communications, and advancement operations.

Skills

• Strong relationship building, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excellent organization, project management, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to analyze donor data and develop strategic fundraising plans.
• Effective written, verbal, presentation, and listening skills.
• Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with donor databases, CRM systems, Microsoft Office applications, and fundraising technology platforms.

Abilities

• Ability to establish, cultivate, solicit, and steward meaningful donor relationships.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally with donors, alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, and community leaders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to represent the University and Foundation in a professional and donor-centered manner.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.