Stewardship Specialist

Department: University Advancement
Classification: Administrative Program Spec
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular Ongoing
Salary: $22.84 - $34.70 per hour (updated)
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

November 4 2025; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for this position applicants must submit a complete application. Complete applications must include an online application a cover letter and a resume that address how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We encourage you to apply even if you dont think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications--use your application and cover letter to let us know what is meaningful to you about the role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.

Department Summary

University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregons (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching discovery and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness build long-term relationships and secure resources that increase understanding and further its aims. We are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming safe and respectful environment that recognizes the value of all members of our community.

The Advancement Strategies and Technology Innovation (ASTI) department is focused on finding the solutions for foundational issues that will best position University Advancement (UA) to achieve its goals around engagement and fundraising. The department has a unique function in that it is based in UA but also has a strong working partnership and provides strategic direction to the University of Oregon Foundation (UOF) and UO Information Services staff.

As part of ASTI Donor Relations and Advancement Communications (DRAC) team manages donor relations special events volunteer coordination gift administration and donor communication. It is responsible for the design and implementation of a program of donor recognition and stewardship for annual donors (The Loyalty Circle) high-level cumulative giving donors (The Visionary Circle) corporate donors (Corporate Partners) bequest donors (The Legacy Circle) endowment donors and volunteers to the University of Oregon. SWDS works cooperatively with the UO President and administrators school and college fundraising staff and UO donors to provide a university-wide stewardship and cultivation program that moves prospects and donors toward solicitation readiness.

Donor Recognition and Reporting (DRR) is responsible for the management growth and implementation of a program of recognition stewardship and reporting for university donors. DRR ensures university donors feel connected to the university through personalized communication that builds trusting relationships inspires generosity and demonstrates responsible stewardship of their gifts.

Position Summary

The Stewardship Specialist reporting to the Director of Donor Recognition and Reporting is a vital member of the Donor Recognition and Reporting (DRR) team and University Advancement (Advancement). This role serves as a key resource for Advancement University of Oregon Foundation (UOF) and campus partners maintaining direct contact with donors and assisting in the implementation of a comprehensive recognition and stewardship program for university donors.

The Stewardship Specialist manages the Universitys and UOFs gift acceptance process writing gift documents developing systems procedures and training to ensure timely and successful execution of donor documents.

In addition the Stewardship Specialist collaborates on the annual collection of endowment data for approximately 1250 endowment funds for over 1100 donors.

Possessing comprehensive knowledge and experience with the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system Gift Acceptance Requisition (GAR) system and the Universitys and UOFs gift acceptance and administration policies is essential. The successful candidate is team-oriented highly collaborative and requires minimal direction. They are curious about partners goals and can articulate donor intentions in writing while maintaining professionalism discretion and confidentiality.

This position also involves participating in continued professional growth and implementing best practices for donor relations based on industry standards.

Minimum Requirements

Two years of experience as an administrative specialist or executive support specialist which included administrative support for a project program or operation. Administrative support includes those duties beyond clerical/secretarial such as: interpretation of laws rules and regulations; administrative data collection and analysis; and evaluation of projects processes and operations;
OR
an equivalent combination of training and experience.

One year of post-secondary education may be substituted for up to one year of the experience.

Professional Competencies

Proficient in writing editing interpersonal and verbal communication including a willingness to proactively reach out to constituents and colleagues in person and via phone email or another method as necessary.
Excellent attention to detail accuracy organizational and planning skills and follow-through.
Excellent proofing and editing skills.
Excellent computer skills using relational databases MS Office applications or equivalent software.
Skilled and competent with donor software tools and systems strategy as it relates to fundraising and donor experience.
Proficient in organizational problem-solving and time management skills.
Ability to set priorities take initiative be proactive and follow up and manage diverse responsibilities and multiple tasks.
Ability to interact communicate and work effectively with individuals recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
Skilled in promoting and enhancing diversity equity and inclusion.
Ability to adapt as new situations arise.
Ability to initiate connections and collaborate with colleagues and industry cohorts.
Ability to provide excellent donor-focused customer service while maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
Ability to work and communicate directly with university executive level leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in or combined education and experience with preparing and reviewing legal documents or contracts for higher education or another professional area.
Experience in developing and/or maintaining policies and procedures.
Experience with complex customer relational management (CRM) software (e.g. Salesforce) and other customer services video or design software (e.g. Laserfiche Marketing Cloud DocuSign Tableau InDesign Thankview).
Experience working within complex structures specifically around naming and gift administration involving multiple entities.

FLSA Exempt: No

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

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503 Oregon Public Employees Union.

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 our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 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 email us or call .

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions) age physical or mental disability genetic information (including family medical history) ancestry familial status citizenship service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law) veteran status expunged juvenile record and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law 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 Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information related policies and complaint procedures are listed here.

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.