Development Officer or Associate Director of Development in Engineering

Utah State University’s College of Engineering (CoE) is entering an era of growth and innovation, expanding its academic reach with new programs in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing. This role will engage donors and partners to advance these priorities through major gift fundraising.

About the role

The Development Officer or Associate Director of Development will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects, aligning donor passions with the college’s mission and emerging opportunities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for CoE, this position participates in strategy development, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as an ambassador for the College of Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Senior Director of Development for CoE 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, including the growth of Computer Science and the launch of Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
• 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 other 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 the Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align 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 fundraising and college advancement 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 Engineering at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus:
  • Two years of related experience (Development Officer I), or
  • Three years of related experience (Development Officer II), 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 a respectful environment in donor engagement and workplace culture.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with capital campaigns.
• Advanced degree.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package provided.