Development Officer

Owens Community College is hiring a Development Officer in the Office of Fund Development. The Development Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects including alumni, donors, partners, and friends of Owens Community College in support of the institution’s strategic goals and annual fundraising objectives. The position will help secure funding at all levels through comprehensive annual giving campaigns, grant opportunities, and fundraising initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, marketing, communications, sales, or closely related field. Four (4) years of experience in development with proven effectiveness. Direct involvement in securing gifts for a not-for-profit, charitable organization (preferably in an institution of higher education).

Preferred Qualifications: Five or more years of direct experience soliciting major, planned, or annual gifts for an institution of higher education. Two to five years of experience using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge software or comparable fundraising/CRM system.

Knowledge: Knowledge of alumni engagement and fund development strategies in a college or non-profit setting. Knowledge of fundraising objectives and principles. Knowledge of budget planning, management and analysis.

Skills: Strong computer skills, including Raiser’s Edge/CRM software and Microsoft Office: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Effective written and oral communication skills with attention to accuracy. Organizational and multi-tasking skills are required with the ability to prioritize and manage projects. Demonstrated experience in cultivating, managing and training volunteers, alumni, and other stakeholders.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to build engagement and fundraising programs. Ability to compose inspiring and effective communications that will successfully engage and solicit targeted audiences. Complete accurate work with special attention to detail. Manage multiple projects and events; ability to recognize strengths and weaknesses in volunteers; ability to work efficiently and manage resources. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to coordinate, develop and cultivate alumni, retirees, students and volunteers.

Other Characteristics: Creative and entrepreneurial approach to initiatives; enthusiasm and positive attitude; exceptional work ethic; customer service orientation; and good social presence.

Essential Functions:

  • Assists in developing fundraising goals, objectives, and strategies for the Owens Foundation and creatively manages cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for donors including alumni.
  • Manages and evaluates a comprehensive annual giving campaign to increase the College’s donor base and financial support raised. Develops and solicits annual gifts through several appeals including annual golf outing, events, days of giving, and special appeals targeting various donor groups including alumni.
  • Manages and actively cultivates a portfolio of alumni, donors and prospects. Makes personal solicitation visit/calls and establishes relationships to retain and grow donor base.
  • Manages and leads the strategy to develop and execute digital fundraising campaigns such as Days of Giving and social media/digital challenges.
  • Utilizes prospect research and prospect management strategies to further prospects and donors within the cultivation continuum – “Moves Management”.
  • Develops, implements and manages engagement and fundraising initiatives for alumni, donors, and friends. Initiatives include regular communications, networking mixers, reunions, annual luncheons, award ceremonies, scholarship-related events, and other activities.
  • Evaluates and analyzes data regarding alumni events, annual giving, and fundraising initiatives, including past giving trends to provide program results and make recommendations for future strategies.
  • Assists team members to maintain accurate constituency records in Raiser’s Edge database with career, biographical, contact and other information.
  • Assists in managing donor recognition activities and events including alumni hall of fame and philanthropy award initiatives.
  • Develops and supervises the preparation of fundraising literature and communications with other team members.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some weekends and evenings as required.

Direct Link to Apply: https://jobs.owens.edu/postings/6935