Senior Director of Development, California and Hawaii Region

Department: University Advancement
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular Ongoing
Salary: $120000 - $140000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA11-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

Position closes April 27 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please apply using the link: Summary

The University of Oregon (UO) is a flagship public research institution known for itsstrong senseof community innovation and impact. Located in Eugene - a vibrant college town surrounded by natural beauty - UO serves more than23000 studentsand is recognized for its commitment to student success interdisciplinary research and public service.

University Advancement plays a critical role in advancing UOs mission by building meaningful relationships with alumni and supporters around the world. Through strategic engagement and philanthropy the university is fueling scholarships academic excellence and transformative initiatives that shape the future.

Regional Philanthropy at the University of Oregon plays a critical role in expanding the universitys reach and impact beyond campus by building meaningful relationships with alumni and donors across key geographic markets. Through a regionally focused approach the team connects donors to opportunities that support student success scholarships academic programs and university-wide priorities. By partnering closely with campus leadership and advancement colleagues Regional Philanthropy drives engagement and philanthropic investment that strengthens the universitys presence and impact across the Northwest and Southwest regions.

Position Summary

As the Senior Director of Regional Philanthropy for California and Hawaii you will lead one of the University of Oregons most important and opportunity-rich fundraising this role you will oversee and execute a comprehensive regional fundraising strategy managing a portfolio of major gift prospects while guiding a team of development professionals. You will focus on securing gifts ranging from $100K to multi-million-dollar commitments partnering closely with University Advancement and academic leadership to align donor interests with institutional priorities.

You will serve as a key connector across the university collaborating with central development schools and colleges and principal gifts to coordinate strategies and maximize impact. As a leader of people and performance you will coach and mentor team members build pipeline strategy and ensure prospects are moving effectively through the donor lifecycle.

This role is highly external-facing and requires regular travel throughout California and Hawaii. You will bring a strong understanding of regional philanthropic culture and use that insight to expand engagement strengthen the donor base and build a pipeline of future philanthropic leaders. This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic relationship-driven advancement leader who thrives at the intersection of leadership fundraising and regional strategy.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five years of progressively responsible major gift experience.
Three years of management experience including direct supervision or leadership of advancement efforts

Professional Competencies

Demonstrated success securing major gifts including six-figure and above commitments
Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop and mentor fundraising professionals
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
Strategic thinker with experience developing and executing multi-year fundraising plans
Ability to navigate complex organizations and collaborate across teams
Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree
Ten years of development experience
Five years of major gift fundraising experience
Five years of progressive management experience
Significant experience in higher education fundraising

FLSA Exempt: Yes

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

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.