Director of Development - College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Utah State University•Logan, UT

About The Position

The S.J. and Jessie E Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (QANR) at Utah State University is experiencing significant growth and innovation due to a recent merger, expanding its academic reach and impact. This has led to new opportunities for philanthropy, with corporate partners and alumni stepping forward to support initiatives. This position, which can be hired as a Development Officer, Associate Director, or Director of Development based on qualifications and assigned duties, will be crucial in engaging donors and partners to advance the college's priorities. The role involves the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, aligning donor interests with the college’s mission. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for QANR, this individual will contribute to strategy development for the college’s advancement team, manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and act as an ambassador for the Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will foster strong, collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure substantial private support for the college’s strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience (for Development Officer).
Bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (for Associate Director).
Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (for Director of Development).
Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor engagement and workplace culture.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Experience with capital campaigns.

Responsibilities

Work with the Executive Director of Development for QANR and the QANR development team to set program goals aligned with the College as well as the university fundraising priorities.
Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities.
Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college’s expansion.
Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.
Serve as an active partner to the Dean and other academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees as appropriate.
Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles—including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property—to develop tailored proposals.
Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align with campaign goals.
Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve fundraising and college advancement effectiveness.
Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
Collaborate with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
Represent the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.