Executive Director of SAU Foundation Position Available In Columbia, Arkansas

Executive Director of SAU Foundation

Duties:

Provide executive leadership in managing the daily operations of the SAU Foundation; support the SAU Foundation Board of Governors by providing timely communication, strategic guidance, and administrative support to facilitate informed decision-making; Implement policies established by the Board related to endowment management, earnings distribution, and donor reporting; oversee and supervise a comprehensive accounting system aligned with

GAAP, IRS

nonprofit regulations, and CASE standards; work closely with the Assistant Director of Finance to ensure that detailed financial reports are provided to University departments, donors and the Foundation Board; serve as the key liaison with the Advancement Team; collaborate with Development and Alumni to align fundraising efforts and donor communications; oversee a database of alumni, donors, and potential donors as well as oversee training for staff on proper use of this database; lead and implement strategies for donor stewardship, including gift acknowledgement, impact reporting, and maintaining long-term donor relationships; ensure transparency and accuracy in donation processing, reporting, and gift receipting; facilitate collaboration with academic colleges, departments, and administrative offices to communicate the impact of donor support and uphold donor intent; develop and execute initiatives that support the University’s strategic goals through the Foundation’s activities; ensure smooth and efficient processes for the intake, tracking, and management of philanthropic gifts; participate in strategic planning efforts related to fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor development; perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Foundation and University missions and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred; experience in donor stewardship and alumni engagement with a commitment to personalized relationship management; knowledge of investment management principles; proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors, board members, University leadership, faculty, and staff; strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex information to a variety of audiences; team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and project execution; ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff and volunteers; experience managing budgets; experience in donor stewardship and alumni engagement with a commitment to personalized relationship management; demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the value of all members of the SAU community, to excellence in interpersonal behaviors, and effective collaboration with colleagues. Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement.
Interested candidates should send a letter of application, current resume, and contact information of three (3) references to or to the office of Human Resources, Southern Arkansas University 100 E University 9288, Magnolia, AR 71753. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Non-listed references may be contacted. AA/EOE

Posted:

June 17, 2025