GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The Development Officer is responsible for managing relationships with major donor prospects determined to have the ability to make gifts at or above $25,000 that support the needs of Marywood University - whether annual, capital, or endowment. The Development Officer is charged with developing and implementing strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects, including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts for the University from a diverse group of constituents, including but not limited to alumni and friends.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 50-75 major gift prospects and donors to secure external resources for the University and meet fund development goals. This includes local, regional, and occasional national travel.
- For the assigned prospect portfolio, develop and implement strategies across all stages of the major gift cycle including:
- Identification and qualification of prospective donors. This includes planning travel and scheduling donor visits.
- Development and execution of cultivation strategies for potential and existing donors, including collaboration with University administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers, as needed. This includes the identification of ways to increase involvement of benefactors and prospects in the activities of the University.
- Advancing prospects toward solicitation and closure in a timely and strategic manner.
- Ensuring appropriate stewardship activities to maintain strong donor relationships.
- Actively qualify and prioritize prospects for current and future fundraising initiatives.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions, including submitting contact reports and providing regular updates cultivation and solicitation progress.
- As a member of the Development Team, contribute to annual fundraising goal-setting and strategic planning efforts as requested.
- Support additional fundraising initiatives and special projects as assigned.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
- Proven experience in fundraising and in personally cultivating and soliciting prospects.Ability to articulate the case for support.
- Understanding of the needs and interests of donors to develop mutually beneficial relationships between donors and the University. Possess solid relationship-building skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, research, project management, and written and verbal communication skills with a strong customer service donor-centered approach.
- Ability to work individually and in a team environment.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree required
- Five to seven years successful fundraising experience (with demonstrated financial results)
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Master's degree preferred
- Proven experience in corporate/foundation or individual major gift fundraising, preferably in a higher education setting
WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have a strong commitment to the mission and goals of Marywood and the desire to assist this University in achieving these goals
- Must be able to travel as needed
- Must have valid driver's license
- Weekends and evening work will be required
WORK SCHEDULE:
Temporary position, 21 hours per week, Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, 26 weeks per year.
DISCLAIMER: While not comprehensive, this job description lists activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
