Development Officer - College of Arts and Sciences

Utah State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is a vibrant hub where students explore, lead, and make an impact through over 180 degrees across 13 departments and eight centers and institutes. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with alumni and donors in transformative philanthropy, engaging partners to advance the college’s mission.

About the role

The Development Officer will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects, linking donor passions with the college’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for CAS, this position participates in strategy development, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as an ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. The successful candidate will build collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure significant private support for the college’s goals. The position may be hired as a Development Officer, Associate Director of Development, or Director of Development based on duties and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Executive Director of Development for CAS and the development team to set program goals aligned with college and university fundraising priorities.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
• Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities.
• Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college’s expansion.
• Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.
• Serve as an active partner to the Dean and academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees.
• Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
• Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles—including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property—to develop tailored proposals.
• Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists aligned with campaign goals.
• Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
• Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
• Work with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
• Represent the College of Arts & Sciences at events, alumni gatherings, and public functions to promote its mission and achievements.

Qualifications

• Development Officer: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Associate Director of Development: Bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Director of Development: Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor engagement and workplace culture.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree; experience with capital campaigns.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package provided.