Philanthropy Officer

About the role

The Philanthropy Officer role is to generate sustainable streams of major gift funding that will ensure the University’s long-term financial health. Aligning with the University’s goals, Philanthropy Officers shall cultivate and solicit gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations through in-person visits; write proposals and grants to private funders; plan and execute individually-tailored donor engagement and stewardship strategies; help foster a campus and community culture of philanthropy; and regularly report to the Director on the progress being made toward the year’s goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual plan to meet solicitation goals set by the Director of Philanthropy, reporting each month on progress being made toward reaching assigned goals.
• Use the institution’s Donor and Gift Data system and other tools to identify new prospects and donor cultivation approaches.
• Create and execute fundraising strategies for individual donors.
• As assigned, write and submit philanthropic grants.
• Prepare collateral, draft gift agreements, and help prepare donor engagement and stewardship materials.
• Remain well-versed both on the proper procedures for securing and documenting gifts and on the institution’s fundraising priorities, including special opportunities within individual Colleges and departments at the University.
• Recruit, engage, and solicit members of philanthropy-oriented councils and giving societies.
• Under the leadership of the Director, integrate strategies, specific plans, resources, and timelines across Advancement and the Foundation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Outstanding interpersonal and public speaking skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; effectively and compellingly communicate ideas and organizational achievements, needs, and opportunities
• Highly motivated, organized, creative and flexible
• Experienced in best practices in fund development
• Demonstrate strategic thinker
• Poise, polished, and professional demeanor
• Demonstrated leadership in a team setting working with staff, Board members and other volunteers to accomplish fundraising objectives
• Ability to train volunteers in fundraising best practices
• Proficient in core computer skills including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, navigating the web and electronic communications
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to work independently, maintain self-motivation and persist in the face of challenges
• Ability to reliably and frequently travel to meet with donors
• Possesses or has the ability to form a deep and genuine commitment to the University’s mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, and Two (2) years of successful experience in major gifts, outside sales, grant writing, membership or volunteer organization leadership
• Or a similar combination of skills and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, and Four (4) years of successful experience in outside sales, grant writing, membership or volunteer organization leadership; or Three (3) years of major gift fundraising in a University setting or a similar combination of skills and experience