Development Officers (Three Positions)

About the role

The Office of Strategic Gifts at James Madison University is responsible for developing and managing programs leading to private gifts that support and advance the university's faculty, students, and programs. Development Officers identify potential donors, educate alumni, parents, and friends about the university's financial needs, and conduct solicitations to meet those needs.

These positions focus on soliciting private gifts for scholarships, faculty support, capital projects, and endowment requirements. Officers will work closely with faculty, academic administrators, and other university officers, and will liaise with the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, and the College of Integrated Science and Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Gift Cultivation and Solicitation (80%)
  • Design and implement an annual fundraising plan based on university objectives, in collaboration with academic leaders, the Senior Director of Strategic Gifts, and the Associate Vice President for Development.
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit individuals and families with potential to make major and/or planned gifts to university interests.
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 100 active major/planned gift prospects, with assigned college/university program liaison responsibilities.
  • Sustain major and planned gift activity aligned with performance expectations and mutually agreed-upon metrics.
  • Collaborate with the Offices of Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Principal Giving, Constituent Engagement, and Athletics to secure gifts for the university.
• Alumni Activities, Public Relations, and Stewardship (20%)
  • Work with other Philanthropy & Engagement offices to design and implement donor recognition, stewardship activities, and special events.
  • Assist other offices within Philanthropy & Engagement to advance divisional goals.
  • Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director of Strategic Gifts and the Associate Vice President for Development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Significant experience in fundraising (preferably in higher education) or related fields (e.g., non-profits, sales, or business development) with transferable skills.
• Proven ability to solicit and close major gifts or secure commitments.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse constituencies.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and ability to travel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing technological resources effectively.