Development Officer

JOB PURPOSE: 

The Development Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding gifts from the leadership gift level of $1000 to $25,000 and above from alumni and other constituents to support the University of Lynchburg and its students. The qualified candidate will manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 donor prospects and will conduct a minimum of 15 personal visits a month, entailing virtual meetings, local and regional travel. This position must work independently and collaboratively with the advancement team and other stakeholders such as senior administration, deans, department heads and others. The Development Officer candidate will be an individual who has demonstrated a progressive experience in leadership and major gifts. The selected candidate will develop long-term relationships with various constituencies and help develop a pipeline of prospective donors. The Development Officer will assist donors by helping them fulfill their passions and interests through giving to the University of Lynchburg to further support the students we serve. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Manage own rotating portfolio of 150-200 prospects primarily through phone, virtual and in person meetings with an expectation of 15 visits per month.  A comprehensive ask will include both the solicitation for major gifts, as well as annual fund and opportunities for planned giving. 

2. Oversee implementation of  gifts strategies, and contribute individually as implemented by the Director of Development by ongoing identification, assessment, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donor prospects.

3. Work in conjunction with prospect research to complete call reports in a timely manner, and to identify and qualify new major donor prospects. 

4. Recruit volunteers to assist with specific solicitations. Strategize and implement how best to articulate the need for support to potential donors; develop appropriate materials, presentations and proposals. 

5. Work with the Director of Donor Relations to assure a highly personalized program of stewardship for major donors. 

6. Attend meetings and events associated with major gifts, as requested by the Director of Development and the Associate Vice President of Advancement.

7.  Participation required for cornerstone events. (Move in, Homecoming, Founders Week and Commencement)   

 8. Articulate the vision, mission, goals and core values of the university to its constituents.

 9. Facilitate prospect interaction with senior administrators, deans and faculty. 

10. Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Vice President for    Advancement.     

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES: 

1. Discretion with confidential information. 

2. Positive, enthusiastic, professional image in representing the University of Lynchburg both internally and externally. 

3. Team player with a strong dedication to the purpose and mission of the university. 

4. Personal value system that encompasses a solid work ethic, conscientiousness and the ability to forge productive relationships. 

EQUIPMENT USED: 

Computer 

Copy Machine 

Telephone/Voice Mail 

FAX 

MANUALS AND REFERENCES: 

Gift Policies and Procedures 

Staff Handbook of Personnel Policies and Procedures 

Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and SLATE 

ORAL OR WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS: 

Excellent English-language oral, written and listening skills for effective communication in representing the University. Good math skills for developing reports and budgets. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The functions of this position are usually performed sitting with some standing. Some tasks may involve walking, stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting, or carrying. Tasks such as working at a computer keyboard involve extensive wrist and hand movements. The normal work schedule is 37.5 hours per week with possible evening and/or weekend hours. Travel is required. 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: 

Minimum of three to five years of experience in higher education fundraising or related field and experience in direct sales or gift solicitation; strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills along with qualities of initiative and leadership; an ability to work well with key members of the University’s internal and external audiences; freedom and willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION: 

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Salary : $58,000 - $68,000