Development Officer

Knox College•Galesburg, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Officer is responsible for developing and sustaining donor relationships on behalf of Knox by communicating the College's needs and priorities to individual alumni, parents and friends. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Development Officer promotes dynamic growth in philanthropic giving to Knox. The Officer develops and implements strategies to secure philanthropic gifts over $25,000, build sustainable leadership gifts, and cultivate a culture of philanthropy. Through personalized relationship management, with a portfolio of 125+, the Officer grows the revenue potential annually—working in close collaboration with the Advancement team, College leadership, and other stakeholders. The Officer will play a vital role in all comprehensive fundraising campaigns. This is an ideal role for an experienced fundraiser, salesperson, or relationship manager ready to take ownership of a major gift portfolio at a small, mission-driven liberal arts college. Knox College's Advancement division supports the College's mission through major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni and parent engagement, advancement operations, and grants. The team is currently focused on the Venture Boldly Campaign, strengthening connections with constituents, securing significant unrestricted support through the Knox Fund, and building a disciplined, high-performing major gifts program.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree and 3+ years of full-time professional experience.
Genuine intellectual curiosity and an appreciation for mission-driven work.
Demonstrate the ability to directly solicit significant financial-related gifts and be persistent in following up with donor prospects.
Ability to make independent decisions, manage relationships, coordination of fundraising projects, work productively with colleagues and independent-minded volunteers, and inspire confidence among associates.
Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, as well as organizational and collaboration skills.
Candidate must have the highest ethical standards and have the discretion and ability to maintain confidences and confidential material.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in higher education or with a liberal arts institution is a plus.
Experience in fundraising, capital campaigns, non-profit settings, relationship management, or higher education.

Responsibilities

Qualify and cultivate donor prospects, solicit and close capital, planned, and annual gifts of $25,000 and up.
Complete a combination of 250 cultivation/solicitation steps per year (including 125 in-person visits) with donors and donor prospects.
Manage a portfolio of 120-140 major gift prospects by maintaining regular contact with assigned donors, donor prospects, and leadership volunteers.
Identify ways to increase involvement of donors and donor prospects in the activities of the College, and provide appropriate stewardship for donors.
Carefully review files prior to donor visits and write and file timely and thorough reports, including acknowledgments, contact reports and individual gift proposals.
Participate with Advancement colleagues and others in regular planning meetings that facilitate initiating, developing, and implementing donor relationships, appropriate events, communications, activities, and campaigns.
Develop, over time, thorough knowledge of planned giving vehicles such as life income gifts and estate provisions.
Provide high-level support to College leadership, including preparing for and facilitating donor connections and solicitations in service of the College's mission and fundraising priorities.
Work with volunteers or key stakeholders on communication and event coordination.
Assist with Advancement and College events and logistics as needed.
Assist Advancement with special projects and/or new initiatives as needed.