Development Officer, Parent Gifts

Overview

As a member of the Parent Gifts team, the Development Officer will raise meaningful philanthropic gifts from non-alumni parents in support of the university. With a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of leadership-level annual gifts and major gifts, the Development Officer will report to the Director of Parent Gifts and participate in a dynamic program to engage generous families.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage constituents through strong interpersonal and communication skills, including emotional intelligence and business writing.
• Goal oriented with strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, persistence, and a positive outlook.
• Strategic time manager with capacity to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Readiness to travel regularly and to attend occasional evening and weekend events.
• Ability to earn the respect and trust of donors, university administrators and development colleagues, while maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive information.

Preferred Education, Experience And Skills

• Experience in event planning or project management.

Principal Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates and solicits Yale parents who are capable of making major gifts to the University; create and present proposals for consideration according to donor's interest and financial situation.
• Initiates and maintains contact with prospective donors.
• Acts as liaison among the Office of Development, University Officers, various University departments and donors.
• Solicits major gifts from donors directly and working with volunteers, administrators and other department colleagues.
• Develops, writes and presents proposals appropriate to donor's interest and financial situation.
• Develops financial solicitation programs and meet activity and revenue goals.
• Promotes positive donor relations. Raises major gifts to fund University programs and enhance development efforts of Schools and Units, with an emphasis on key University funding priorities.
• Devises and recommends cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Determines and executes events and programs in support of development activities. Recognizes disinterested donors and devise strategies to redirect their interests.
• Interacts with external contacts such as volunteers, alumni, friends and other prospective donors to cultivate and solicit gifts. Proactively engages development volunteers in a variety of roles, including identification, cultivation, solicitation and events.
• Interacts with internal contacts such as Deans, Directors, faculty, officers and other development staff to consult on University needs, formulate proposal strategies and identify potential donors.
• Evaluates various gift opportunities and giving vehicles; recommends the most suitable for a particular donor. Assesses success of development events and programs and recommend changes.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of four years of experience in fundraising or a related field, preferably in higher education or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Health Requirements

• Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.