Leadership Giving Officer

Dakota State University is looking for a passionate relationship builder to join our team as a Leadership Giving Officer. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parents, and friends of the university capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more, creating philanthropic partnerships that fuel the university’s vision.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research, interviews, and other engagement methods.
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships with prospects.
• Solicit gifts that align with the strategic needs of the University.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors through consistent communication and recognition efforts.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions, proposals, and contributions in Raiser’s Edge.
• Work closely with University leadership to understand funding priorities and translate these needs into compelling donor opportunities.
• Partner with colleagues across the University to identify potential prospects and create comprehensive donor engagement plans.
• Plan and attend events to engage with potential and existing donors, representing the University’s mission and goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or other related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in major gifts or leadership giving.
• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Strong ability to build relationships, listen to donor needs, and cultivate donor loyalty.
• Ability to analyze donor data and fundraising trends to develop strategies.
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting to groups of various sizes.
• Strong combination of creative, analytical, and organizational skills; attention to detail.
• Proficiency with database management systems.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of philanthropic partners.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, and health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System with 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS; vested after three years of service.
• Paid time off: full-time 12-month employees earn 15 days of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year, plus 11 federal paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage.
• Paid family leave.