University of the Ozarks
The Major Gifts Officer is a fund‑raising position whose primary constituencies include alumni, friends, development prospects, churches and organizations, as well as athletics. This position focuses on creating opportunities for philanthropic support for the University, both for the campus in general and its spiritual aspects.
The Major Gifts Officer spends 75% of their time seeking gifts in support of the University of the Ozarks academic and athletic programming and 25% of their time seeking annual gifts to the annual fund. This position reports directly to the Director of Development.
University of the Ozarks values personal attention and collegiality; familiarity with and understanding of a small, residential campus are highly desirable. A sincere interest in students, excellent communication skills, and support of the University’s mission are also required.
Duties and Responsibilities
Donor research, identification, cultivation, solicitation and maintenance/stewardship are major factors within the success of this position.
Performance is measured by successful attainment of the annual goals set by the University for the Ozarks Annual Fund and overall yearly goals set for this individual. This target is normally salary times two.
Solicit gifts and formal gift commitments that support the mission and strategic initiatives of the University and do not pose a risk to the well‑being of the University.
Manage a portfolio of athletics and annual fund personal solicitations with a goal of upgrading donors to higher levels of giving.
Complete 10–15 personal visits per month to alumni, donors and prospects, seeking major gifts or annual gifts.
Develop annual professional goals stated in operational and measurable form; stated with specificity in respect to magnitude, time, responsibility and overall productivity.
Maintain an appropriate work climate that encourages and fosters the achievement of individual staff goals and departmental goals.
Work with the athletic director and coaches on achieving fundraising goals for each sport. Manage stewardship outreach with the athletic department.
Possess personal work habits that include judgment, initiative, organization and time management, communication, reliability, positive work relations with others, knowledge of University policies and procedures; adaptability and flexibility and attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
Experience working with CRM Advance, Microsoft Office Word Pro, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience with the athletic department, utilizing E‑Teams Sports or other software options for fundraising opportunities.
Excellent organizational ability, high level of accuracy, attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and with minimal supervision.
Enjoy working with college students.
Travel is required, as is evening and weekend work as necessary.
Qualifications
Five years of experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising with a focus on individual and/or athletic gifts.
Demonstrated success in gift fundraising; experience in building and maintaining relationships based on trust and respect.
Ability to work with a wide range of campus departments and relate well with the public.
Prefer experience working with capital campaigns.
About the University of the Ozarks Ranked in the Top 10 of the Southern region comprehensive baccalaureate institutions by U.S. News & World Report, the University of the Ozarks is a Presbyterian‑related institution that blends the liberal arts and professional preparation in a student‑centered environment emphasizing quality teaching and student learning. The University serves approximately 800 undergraduate students on a beautiful campus in Clarksville, Arkansas, located along Interstate 40 about 90 miles northwest of Little Rock and nestled between the Arkansas River and the Ozark Mountains. The University welcomes students from diverse religious, cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds, including those from more than 20 countries worldwide. Knowing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and enriches communities, the University is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Recent campaigns have enhanced facilities, academic programs, and other campus initiatives. For more information about the University of the Ozarks, please visit www.ozarks.edu.
Application Procedures
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue through January 31, 2026.
Please send to humanresources@ozarks.edu:
• A letter of interest
• Resume
• Three references
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other
Industries Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Major Gifts Officer spends 75% of their time seeking gifts in support of the University of the Ozarks academic and athletic programming and 25% of their time seeking annual gifts to the annual fund. This position reports directly to the Director of Development.
University of the Ozarks values personal attention and collegiality; familiarity with and understanding of a small, residential campus are highly desirable. A sincere interest in students, excellent communication skills, and support of the University’s mission are also required.
Duties and Responsibilities
Donor research, identification, cultivation, solicitation and maintenance/stewardship are major factors within the success of this position.
Performance is measured by successful attainment of the annual goals set by the University for the Ozarks Annual Fund and overall yearly goals set for this individual. This target is normally salary times two.
Solicit gifts and formal gift commitments that support the mission and strategic initiatives of the University and do not pose a risk to the well‑being of the University.
Manage a portfolio of athletics and annual fund personal solicitations with a goal of upgrading donors to higher levels of giving.
Complete 10–15 personal visits per month to alumni, donors and prospects, seeking major gifts or annual gifts.
Develop annual professional goals stated in operational and measurable form; stated with specificity in respect to magnitude, time, responsibility and overall productivity.
Maintain an appropriate work climate that encourages and fosters the achievement of individual staff goals and departmental goals.
Work with the athletic director and coaches on achieving fundraising goals for each sport. Manage stewardship outreach with the athletic department.
Possess personal work habits that include judgment, initiative, organization and time management, communication, reliability, positive work relations with others, knowledge of University policies and procedures; adaptability and flexibility and attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
Experience working with CRM Advance, Microsoft Office Word Pro, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience with the athletic department, utilizing E‑Teams Sports or other software options for fundraising opportunities.
Excellent organizational ability, high level of accuracy, attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and with minimal supervision.
Enjoy working with college students.
Travel is required, as is evening and weekend work as necessary.
Qualifications
Five years of experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising with a focus on individual and/or athletic gifts.
Demonstrated success in gift fundraising; experience in building and maintaining relationships based on trust and respect.
Ability to work with a wide range of campus departments and relate well with the public.
Prefer experience working with capital campaigns.
About the University of the Ozarks Ranked in the Top 10 of the Southern region comprehensive baccalaureate institutions by U.S. News & World Report, the University of the Ozarks is a Presbyterian‑related institution that blends the liberal arts and professional preparation in a student‑centered environment emphasizing quality teaching and student learning. The University serves approximately 800 undergraduate students on a beautiful campus in Clarksville, Arkansas, located along Interstate 40 about 90 miles northwest of Little Rock and nestled between the Arkansas River and the Ozark Mountains. The University welcomes students from diverse religious, cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds, including those from more than 20 countries worldwide. Knowing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and enriches communities, the University is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Recent campaigns have enhanced facilities, academic programs, and other campus initiatives. For more information about the University of the Ozarks, please visit www.ozarks.edu.
Application Procedures
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue through January 31, 2026.
Please send to humanresources@ozarks.edu:
• A letter of interest
• Resume
• Three references
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other
Industries Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr