Development Officer or Associate Director of Development, University-Wide Development - Utah State University : Job Details

University-Wide Development has a current opportunity for a Development Officer (Development Officer I) or Associate Director of Development (Development Officer II). The position will be hired at either level depending on duties assigned and qualifications/experience. The Development Officer/Associate Director of University-Wide Development is responsible for advancing the university's mission through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts ($25,000 and above). This position will collaborate across several colleges, departments, and programs to help achieve specific fundraising goals.

The Development Officer/Associate Director of University-Wide Development will also be responsible for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni and friends of Utah State University in select regions throughout the United States. This position requires extensive travel, including overnight trips, and occasional event attendance that may occur during nights and weekends.

The Development Officer/Associate Director of University-Wide Development will report to the Senior Director of University-Wide Development.

Major Gift Solicitation:

• Successfully solicit major gifts ($25,000 and above) from university alumni and friends.
• Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount, and purpose.
• Develop a multi-year pipeline of support.
• Draft fundraising proposals that align with donors' philanthropic interests.

Donor Engagement and Prospect Management:

• Build relationships and engage with constituents through individual outreach and communication efforts.
• Utilize university events to connect with alumni and friends of the university.
• Cultivate and steward donors while expressing appreciation and communicating impact.
• Manage prospects and donors through deliberate actions to enhance their engagement with USU.

Philanthropic Strategies:

• A strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods and strategies is required to have meaningful gift conversations with constituents.
• Ability to work within and communicate the philanthropic gift framework established by USU Advancement.
• Knowledge of USU philanthropic impact areas, funds, programs, and campaigns to best connect donors with causes that are meaningful to them.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate effectively and collaborate with university advancement staff, collegiate development officers, program and department heads, and university administration.
• Effectively communicate fundraising initiatives, opportunities, and strategies with university supporters.

Strategic Planning:

• Work closely with the Senior Director of University-Wide Development and university program leaders to establish strategic fundraising initiatives and goals.
• Opportunities to meet with and participate on volunteer boards, committees, and councils made up of university and community stakeholders.

University Representation:

• Must represent the university during meetings, donor visits, and events while communicating the university's mission, vision, and impact.
• It is vital to always represent the university in a first-class manner.

Goal Achievement:

• Meet and exceed annual metrics including, but not limited to, number of visits, solicitations, gifts received, and gift amount totals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position will be hired at one of two possible levels:
  • For Development Officer I:
    • Bachelor's degree in a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • For Associate Director of Development (Development Officer II):
    • Bachelor's degree in a related field plus one year of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For both levels:
  • Ability to have complex gift conversations and a track record of closing gifts or negotiating contracts.
  • Demonstrated experience building successful, productive, and collaborative relationships with top university administrators, deans, and board members.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical, research, and management skills.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with donors, volunteers, and staff members from diverse backgrounds.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced academic degree.
• Successful major gift fundraising experience.
• Experience working at an institution of higher education.
• Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software and CRM systems.
• Record of success in establishing positive relationships with donors, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV