Development Officer or Senior Development Officer

Bucknell University • Waldorf, MD

2d

About The Position

Multiple Positions Available Bucknell University is seeking talented, relationship-driven Development Officers and Senior Development Officers to join our growing University Advancement team in preparation for our campaign. These roles are ideal for fundraising professionals who are energized by building meaningful relationships, connecting donor passions to institutional priorities, and making a lasting impact through philanthropy. The positions involve extensive travel (approximately 50% of the time) to build and strengthen relationships with key donors, offering opportunities to engage directly with alumni, parents, and friends across the region. Whether you are a strong major gift fundraiser ready to grow or a seasoned professional prepared for higher expectations, Bucknell offers a collaborative environment where strategy, relationships, and results matter.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrates practical application and experience with technology such as database functions/reports, and Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite
• Demonstrable track record of creative and collaborative strategy that results in successful closures of gifts/sales/related experience or in building relationships
• Valid U.S. driver's license
• Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrates practical application and experience with technology such as database functions/reports, and Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite
• Demonstrable track record of creative and collaborative strategy that results in successful closures of gifts/sales/related experience or in building relationships
• Valid U.S. driver's license

Nice To Haves

• Major gift experience with a successful track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in a higher education setting
• Demonstrates working knowledge of the field of gift planning, including gifts of complex assets, gift vehicles offered by the University, federal and state tax considerations surrounding charitable giving, and the financial considerations involved in administering planned gifts
• Eight (8) years of leadership and major gift experience with a successful track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in a higher education setting
• Demonstrates working knowledge in the field of gift planning, including gifts of complex assets, gift vehicles offered by the University, federal and state tax considerations surrounding charitable giving, and the financial considerations involved in administering planned gifts

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies that align donor interests with Bucknell’s priorities.
• Collaborate with university leadership to tailor approaches that maximize fundraising outcomes.
• Participate in portfolio strategy reviews
• Prepare strategic briefings and coordinate meaningful engagements that deepen donor connection to the University.
• Consistently engage in strategic face-to-face meetings with principal ($1M+) and major ($100K+) gift prospects and donors to advance them through the donor continuum.
• Secure individual gifts of $100,000 or more and meet annual data-driven metrics.
• Manage all aspects of the donor portfolio, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build and grow a healthy prospect pipeline across alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
• Partner with Gift Planning colleagues to maximize charitable giving opportunities.
• Plan and host campus visits and experiences that prepare donors for leadership-level giving.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor and prospect records, including contact reports, strategies, and next steps.
• Staff large scale campus events and plan visits for individual constituents to return to campus for meaningful cultivation.
• Travel extensively (including air travel and major metropolitan areas) to support portfolio engagement and stewardship.

Benefits

• Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to): Flexible scheduling options determined by role; Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
• Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children.
• Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level