Stewardship Specialist - University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
About the Job
Department: University Advancement
Classification: Administrative Program Spec
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $20.15 to $30.45 per hour
FTE: 1.0
Review of Applications Begins
September 30, 2024; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:
A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Please Note: We may contact applicants who meet the minimum requirements in the job posting to request additional information for the next stage of review.
Department Summary
University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregon’s (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 University’s and UOF’s gift agreement process, writing gift documents, developing systems, procedures, and training to ensure timely and successful execution of agreements. They also oversee and provide high-level direction on the University’s naming policy.
In addition, the Stewardship Specialist coordinates the collaboration, collection, packaging, and delivery of approximately 1,250 annual endowment and impact reports for over 1,100 donors. They oversee DRAC’s donor lists and reports for stewardship, events, and communication.
Possessing comprehensive knowledge and experience with the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system, Gift Agreement Requisition (GAR) system, and the University’s and UOF’s 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.
This position will be located in Eugene. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, and will need to work on campus approximately 3 days per week.
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
• Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills, 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.
• Strong understanding of and competence with donor software tools and systems strategy as it relates to fundraising and donor experience.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Commitment to 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).
• Demonstrated 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 https://hr.uoregon.edu/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, 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 Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. 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 at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.
