Development Officer (JMU Only)

About the role

The Office of Strategic Gifts at James Madison University is accepting applications for a Development Officer. The office is responsible for developing and managing programs leading to private gifts which will support and advance the university's faculty, students and programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an annual fundraising plan based on university objectives, working in conjunction with academic leaders, the Senior Director of Strategic Gifts and the Associate Vice President for Development.
• Identify, cultivate and solicit individuals and families as cleared through prospect development, believed to have potential to make major gifts and/or planned gifts to university interests.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 100 active major/planned gift prospects.
• The successful candidate will be given a college/university program liaison responsibility.
• Sustain a level of major and planned gift activity commensurate with performance expectations of major gifts staff.
• Collaborate with the Offices of Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Principal Giving, Constituent Engagement and Athletics to seek gifts for the university.
• Assist other offices within Philanthropy & Engagement as necessary to advance the goals of the division.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated significant experience in fundraising (preferably in higher education) or in related fields (such as non-profits, sales or business development) if that experience transfers effectively to the requirements of the position.
• Prominent ability to solicit and close major gifts and/or ask for and secure commitments.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to a broad range of constituencies.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to utilize technological resources to maximum advantage.