Leadership Giving Officer

Dakota State University • Madison, SD

1d

About The Position

Dakota State University seeks a relationship builder to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more. The role develops philanthropic partnerships that support the university’s vision and strengthen its future. The officer works with University leadership and colleagues across the University to align donor opportunities with funding priorities and create comprehensive engagement plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or another related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in major gifts or leadership giving.
• Strong ability to build relationships, listen to donor needs, and cultivate donor loyalty.
• Ability to analyze donor data and fundraising trends to develop strategies.
• Comfort with public speaking and presenting to groups of various sizes.
• Combination of creative, analytical, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with database management systems.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of philanthropic partners.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research, interviews, and other engagement methods.
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships with prospects.
• Solicit gifts that align with the strategic needs of the University.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors through consistent communication and recognition efforts.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records of interactions, proposals, and contributions in Raiser’s Edge.
• Work with University leadership to understand funding priorities and translate them into compelling donor opportunities.
• Partner with colleagues across the University to identify potential prospects and create comprehensive donor engagement plans.
• Plan and attend events to engage potential and existing donors, representing the University’s mission and goals.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, and health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System; employees receive 6% fully matched contributions and are vested after three years of service.
• Paid time off: full-time, 12-month employees earn 15 days of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year.
• 11 federal paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage.
• Paid family leave.

What This Job Offers

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