Public Relations Director jobs in Eugene, OR

Department: College of Design
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA05-Fiscal Year 2023-2024
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

April 17th, 2024; open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the online application, please submit a current resume and a cover letter summarizing how your experience aligns with this role.

To request a copy of the full position description, please email CBSOHR@uoregon.edu.

Department Summary

The College of Design (DSGN) is composed of three schools and one independent department: the School of Architecture & Environment; the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management; the School of Art Design; and the Department of the History of Art and Architecture. One of six professional schools or colleges at the University of Oregon, DSGN has over 100 tenure-related and approximately 80 non-tenure-related faculty. These faculty drive undergraduate and graduate degree programs that enroll more than 1,500 undergraduate majors, and 500 graduate students, and contribute to the broad liberal arts education of another 2,000 students. DSGN runs an overall operating budget of $25.5 million with operations in both Eugene and Portland.

The college’s degree offerings are in Eugene, nestled in the lush Willamette Valley, and at the historic White Stag Block, the University of Oregon’s hub of activity, discussion, and engagement in Portland. Students can also take advantage of varied field school and study abroad opportunities to enrich their academic experiences.

Students come to the college ready to explore, learn, and create. When they graduate, they leave with the ability to question critically, think logically, communicate clearly, act creatively, and live ethically. The college provides the skills and mentorship needed for the students to tackle complex global challenges and positively affect the people, communities, and environments around them.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development for the College of Design, the Associate Director for Donor Relations is responsible for managing a variety of complex stewardship matters, directly contacting donors, and working with DSGN leadership on scholarship processes, engagement strategies, and communications development. You will actively maintain an important link between the University and its donors, serving as a primary point of contact for all distinguished guests, donors, and prospective donors throughout multiple interactions with the College of Design. In working with volunteers to the University and potential giving prospects, you will focus on outreach, stewardship, and engagement opportunities that will impact future gifts to the College of Design

As the Associate Director for Donor Relations, you will actively manage pipeline development and donor cultivation for the College of Design. Through the review of database information including prospective donors, alumni, and others, you initiate contact using a variety of methods to activate the cultivation process, maximize stewardship practices, and maintain optimal connections with College of Design and UO development officers.

You will take an active role in all aspects of the College’s development program, including overseeing the annual fundraising program in coordination with the central Annual Philanthropy team, planning and implementing the stewardship program, supporting special events, scholarship administration, communications impact pieces, and donor campus visits. Projects will often require coordination with the Dean and President’s Office. Additionally, you will develop processes and proactively engage with budget holders throughout the College to strategize and consult on donor fund and scholarship spending plans.

Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing a comprehensive stewardship plan for the College of Design and its alumni; stewarding and managing donors through personal visits, phone calls, correspondence, events, and university activities to support the College’s fundraising objectives; managing a database of stewardship prospects; and independently creating written proposals, impact pieces, and case statements for solicitations. This position will require occasional nights, weekends, and limited travel (mainly to Portland and areas within the state).

If you're a visionary leader ready to make a significant impact, and be part of a team that values your expertise and commitment to excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience in development or donor relations.
• One year of experience working with volunteers.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and a strong sense of donor-driven customer service.
• Ability to make a persuasive verbal and written case for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospective donors to specific university needs.
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Proficiency in the use of the entire Microsoft Office software suite. High-level abilities with MS Word and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to write, edit, and create content for print and web publications.
• Ability to present information and ideas clearly and effectively in writing, verbally, and/or graphically, as appropriate.
• Commitment and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education development or donor relations.
• Event planning and budget management experience.
• Experience managing a donor stewardship portfolio and implementing a stewardship plan within a complex organization.
• Familiarity with development databases.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.