Development Officer

Regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) staff position based in Tacoma, WA. Hybrid eligible (minimum of 3 days on-site) after a successful evaluation period. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

About the role

The Development Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from prospective donors to meet fundraising goals in an effort to advance the University of Puget Sound's mission and goals. This role builds relationships with alumni, parents, and individuals to deepen their affinity and engage them in meaningful ways with the Puget Sound community. Working directly with colleagues across the University Relations division and the campus, the Development Officer serves as a member of the capital giving team and reports to the Director of Development.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospective donors with a focus on individuals with a potential capacity to contribute $100,000 or more.
• Engage in personalized outreach to strengthen relationships with alumni, parents and families, and friends, ensuring constituents feel valued and informed about Puget Sound's priorities and impact.
• Inform and inspire prospective donors to provide funding for identified fundraising priorities including endowment, current use, and facilities objectives in support of Puget Sound's mission and strategic plan.
• Develop, illustrate, and solicit outright and deferred commitment opportunities, preparing written proposals and informational materials as needed.
• Promote and solicit gifts for the Puget Sound Fund in coordination with colleagues in the Office of Annual Giving.
• Manage and travel within one or more geographic territories to meet regularly with prospective donors and to build enduring and trusting relationships between the prospects and the university.
• Maintain a basic knowledge of projects and programs that are Puget Sound's funding priorities, and share the university's vision and goals through consistent messaging and storytelling.
• Collaborate with the Office of Donor Relations to recognize and steward donors and their gifts, ensuring donors feel valued and connected to the impact of their contributions.
• Develop written engagement and solicitation strategies for a prioritized "Top 25" pool of assigned prospects who will be solicited in a 12-24-month period.
• Move prospective donors through the giving cycle from identification through stewardship with appropriate deliberate speed.
• Develop and present an average of 12 to 15 major gift proposals each year with a target of securing a minimum of $1 million+ in new commitments.
• Maintain accurate and timely records for constituents in the constituent management system.
• Represent the University of Puget Sound in a consistently professional and ethical manner.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, and preferably in raising gifts of $50,000+ for endowment and current use in a higher education setting or similar non-profit environment.
• Significant experience working productively with prospects, donors, and volunteers.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with a broad range of internal and external constituents.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a close-knit team.
• High level of professionalism, ability to solve problems, handle confidential information, and navigate sensitive situations with discretion.
• Highly developed computer skills including experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and fundraising/donor management software.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills as well as superior attentiveness to detail.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate, and provide leadership within a diverse campus community.

Pay

The anticipated range for this position is $76,949 ($37.05 per hour) up to $100,000 annualized. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement plan options and 403(b) contributions.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, campus holidays, and bonus holidays.
• Education benefits, such as full tuition for eligible employees and their families.
• Access to university facilities and entertainment (fitness center, pool, library, concerts, lectures, and more).

Positions that work less than .75 FTE (1,560 hours per year) do not qualify for long-term disability or education benefits. Positions that work less than .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will accrue paid sick leave but are not eligible for additional benefits. Temporary positions that work at least .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will be eligible for benefits.