Development Officer

Husson University • Bangor, ME

1d

About The Position

The Development Officer identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects in support of Husson University’s strategic and philanthropic priorities. The role manages a portfolio of approximately 100–150 alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, focusing on gifts of $25,000 or more. The Development Officer develops individualized donor engagement strategies, builds long-term relationships, and guides prospective donors through the major gift cycle.

Working with University leadership, faculty, and Advancement colleagues, the Development Officer secures philanthropic support for scholarships, academic programs, unrestricted giving, capital projects, and other institutional priorities. The position involves regular donor visits, regional and national travel, and occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five to seven years of successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising, preferably in higher education; comparable work experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated success building donor relationships and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Ability to understand leadership and major gift donors’ needs and interests and develop relationships between them and the University.
• Interest in education and dedication to promoting University fundraising priorities through relationships with faculty, senior academic leaders, trustees, volunteers, and the Advancement team.
• Successful experience making cold calls and developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of completing assignments.
• Appropriate computer skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to make regular donor visits, travel regionally and nationally, and occasionally work evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations for major gifts greater than $25,000.
• Ask each constituent visited for an annual gift.
• Collaborate with development and advancement staff and University representatives to cultivate and solicit donors for university-wide priorities and the strategic plan.
• Monitor prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations.
• Conduct 8–12 face-to-face contact meetings monthly.
• Recommend and assist with programming involving the President, Vice President of Advancement, Executive Director of Development, other Vice Presidents, Deans, and campaign volunteer leaders.
• Collaborate with college development and advancement officers.
• Offer prospect strategy counsel to the President, Vice Presidents, Executive Director of Development, and other development staff.
• Secure support for campus-wide priorities, including endowed chairs, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, new facilities, and campus improvements.

What This Job Offers

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