Senior Advancement Officer
Susquehanna UniversityJob Type: Staff - Full-Time Benefits Eligible
FLSA: Determined by Position
Hours per week: 40
Number of months: 12
Location : Selinsgrove, PA
Closing Date: 5/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
About Susquehanna Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.
The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.
Job SummaryThe Senior Advancement Officer reports to the Associate Vice President of Campaigns and works to cultivate, solicit, close and steward principal gift prospects through solicitation of outright major gifts of support, estate gifts, and other blended gift opportunities. As part of a collaborative team and a long-term donor cultivation strategy, the position also assists alumni engagement and annual giving areas as appropriate. The ability to combine a sales and marketing-oriented strategy with strong relationship-building skills is essential. The Senior Advancement Officer joins a committed and collaborative team of Advancement professionals promoting a life- long culture of philanthropy to the SU community. The Senior Advancement Officer role offers a hybrid/remote work arrangement, allowing flexibility while maintaining a focus on collaboration and productivity. This position is defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations.
Specific Responsibilities- The Senior Advancement Officer will be assigned a geographic region (s) and will workwiththeAdvancementResearcher, Associate VP of Campaigns, and VP of Advancementtoidentify,prioritizeandqualifyprospectivedonors within that regioninto aprospectpool of approximately90 to 110 individuals.
- Whilespecificgoalswill be setannuallyitis expected thattheSenior Advancement Officerwillmake 110 personal visits in the first year and 140personalvisits withprospectsanddonorseachyear thereafter.
- As assigned by VP for Advancement, assist with estate and legacy gift planning and estate and legacy gift settlement, including but not limited to correspondence and conversations with donors, donor representatives (including family members), legal and financial advisors, and financial institutions. Stay apprised of changes and developments in applicable charitable estate planning processes, IRS rulings, and laws.
- Plan,implement,evaluate,anddocumentanongoingandappropriateseriesofmovesthatenhance prospective donor relationships with the university and that lead to importantphilanthropicsupport ofSU. Prepare solicitation materials, briefings, contact notes and follow up communications andmaterials in a timely manner.
- Developstrategiesandprepareanddeliverwritten and/orverbalproposalsforprospectiveprincipal gift donors seeking gifts in the range of $50,000 to $1,000,000 or more and worktowards goals of total major/planned gifts closed at a minimum of $500,000 annuallywithin the first year with expectations of total major/planned gifts closed of$1,000,000annuallyafter 24 months.
- Provide effective and meaningful stewardship to donors within prospect pool andrecommend,plan andimplementeventsandactivitiesasappropriateinsupportof cultivation and/orstewardship objectives.
- Participate in university events including Homecoming, reunions,stewardship,and other similar events as appropriate.
Minimum QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree required.
ExperienceFive to seven years of fund raising, sales or marketing experience or an equivalent amount ofexperienceinanacademicinstitutioninapositionthatdemonstratesasophisticated appreciation and knowledge of the mission, goals, and financial priorities of a higher education institution is required. The individual'sbackgroundin these roles shouldbecharacterizedbyinitiative,achievement, andintegrity.
Knowledge, Skills, AbilitiesKnowledge of English language including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Skilled at written and verbal communication, including formal presentation to groups. Ability to set priorities and advocate team concepts; work collaboratively with faculty and staff. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook and Copilot, as well as a database for prospect management purposes. Superior written and oral communication skills are required. Personal characteristics will include strong interpersonal, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
Additional Information for ApplicantAdditional RequirementsThis position requires a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive and qualify under the university's insurance carrier when driving a university and/or leased vehicle.
Physical DemandThe position requires the ability to sit for long periods of time at a desk and to drive a car as well as the ability to travel by air. Frequent local travel, moderate regional travel, occasional national travel. Position requires the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction. Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach. Position requires occasional stooping, crouching, and bending. Position requires the ability to occasionally lift to 10 pounds.
To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/susqu/jobs/5295359/senior-advancement-officerjeid-683470b027178e49a0bd1b43053a16a0
