Development Officer II

About the role

Bridgewater College is seeking a relationship-focused Development Officer to help grow philanthropic support for the College through major and planned giving efforts across the United States.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building meaningful connections, communicating a compelling mission, and helping donors make a lasting impact on students and the College community.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, businesses, foundations, and friends of the College
• Develop and implement strategies for major and planned gift cultivation and solicitation
• Partner with College leadership, faculty, and staff to align donor interests with institutional priorities
• Support the President and Vice President for Institutional Advancement during development travel and donor visits
• Help advance fundraising initiatives through prospect strategy and stewardship planning
• Write and edit a variety of advancement communications, including:
• Donor acknowledgements
• Stewardship and impact reports
• Advancement communications and special projects

Additional responsibilities

• Participate in key campus and alumni events, including:
• Homecoming
• Giving Days
• College Awards Ceremony
• Commencement
• Other advancement-related events
• Integrate major/planned giving work with larger institutional goals, including:
• Understanding overall institutional priorities
• Networking with faculty and staff
• Keeping current on programs and faculty/research/student initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, advancement, donor relations, communications, or related work
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Tuition benefits for eligible dependents
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment

General Information

Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 as a coeducational liberal arts college to serve the local community. Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just minutes outside of Harrisonburg and within driving distance of Charlottesville, Washington D.C., and Richmond, Bridgewater is home to a total student body of approximately 1,450 from 27 states and 19 countries. Bridgewater students study more than 60 majors and minors, in addition to four graduate programs and 10 pre-professional programs. Bridgewater College is an NCAA DIII school with approximately 40 percent of its students participating in intercollegiate athletics on 26 teams.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Bridgewater College, an equal opportunity provider and employer, is a welcoming and vibrant workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.