Development Officer/Sr Development Officer

Bucknell University • Post, TX

10d • $72,640 - $110,000

About The Position

Bucknell University is hiring Development Officers and Senior Development Officers for its University Advancement team in preparation for a campaign. The roles focus on building relationships with alumni, parents, and friends; connecting donor interests with university priorities; and advancing fundraising through strategic donor engagement. Candidates will be hired at the Development Officer or Senior Development Officer level based on their skills and experience. Positions are available across the New York Metro, Atlantic Region, and West/Midwest teams, with regional placement based on experience, location, portfolio needs, and team balance. Remote work may be considered with approval of the work location and in compliance with university HR and payroll requirements. The roles involve frequent travel, approximately 50% of the time, and periodic evening and weekend work. The position is full time, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, and reports to a Regional Development Director.

The role manages a portfolio of principal-gift prospects ($1 million or more) and major-gift prospects ($100,000 or more), with responsibility for securing individual gifts of $100,000 or more and meeting annual data-driven metrics. It includes managing the donor continuum from identification through stewardship, building a prospect pipeline, coordinating with Gift Planning colleagues, organizing donor campus visits and experiences, and maintaining accurate records. The position also develops donor strategies aligned with Bucknell's priorities, collaborates with university leadership, participates in portfolio reviews, prepares strategic briefings, and coordinates donor engagements. Duties may include additional tasks as assigned.

The hiring range is $72,640–$90,800 for Development Officers and $88,000–$110,000 for Senior Development Officers. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. If approved for hybrid or remote work, candidates must be physically located in one of the listed states by their start date and throughout employment.

Requirements

• For Development Officer: bachelor's degree and four years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For Senior Development Officer: bachelor's degree and six years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Practical experience with technology such as database functions and reports, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
• Demonstrable record of creative, collaborative strategy resulting in successful gift or sales closures, related outcomes, or relationship-building.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Ability to build trust and navigate complex relationships with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a collaborative, team-based fundraising environment.
• Strong judgment, confidentiality, professionalism, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel with or without accommodations.
• Ability to remain stationary and use a computer, mouse, and keyboard for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a demanding environment with competing deadlines and frequent interruptions.

Nice To Haves

• Development Officer: major-gift experience with a successful record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in higher education.
• Senior Development Officer: eight years of leadership and major-gift experience, with a successful record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in higher education.
• Working knowledge of gift planning, including complex-asset gifts, university gift vehicles, federal and state tax considerations related to charitable giving, and the financial considerations of administering planned gifts.

Responsibilities

• Engage in strategic, face-to-face meetings with principal- and major-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 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 meaningful campus visits for individual constituents.
• Travel extensively, including air travel and travel to major metropolitan areas, for portfolio engagement and stewardship.
• 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 engagements that deepen donor connection to the University.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options, depending on role.
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options.
• 10% employer contribution to the retirement plan; the posting notes no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions.
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays, including two full weeks off for Winter Break.
• Tuition remission for eligible full- and part-time faculty and staff members; eligible full-time employees may also receive tuition remission for a spouse or spousal equivalent and tuition programs for children.
• Employee wellness program with incentives.
• Parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Fitness center membership.

What This Job Offers

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