Senior Development Officer of Major Gifts – Utah State Athletics

About the Role

The Senior Development Officer of Major Gifts for Utah State Athletics provides strategic leadership for the Athletics Major Gifts Program, overseeing day-to-day operations of the major gift team and driving philanthropic support. This position is responsible for leading the Blue A Society, expanding it into a comprehensive major giving society that inspires long-term donor engagement and investment. The role involves developing strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects, as well as securing major gifts to meet annual fundraising and cash revenue goals. The Senior Development Officer collaborates with athletics leadership, coaches, central advancement, and university administrators to advance fundraising initiatives and strengthen donor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the major gift team.
• Manage all aspects of the Blue A Society and build it into a comprehensive philanthropic major giving society.
• Ensure the Major Gift Team reaches annual fundraising goals, including closed gifts and cash received.
• Develop and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
• Personally solicit leadership and major gifts in support of athletics priorities.
• Meet annual fundraising and revenue goals.
• Serve on the principal gift team.
• Partner with athletics leadership, coaches, advancement staff, and university leadership.
• Serve on Advancement’s leadership team and work closely with central advancement offices.
• Maintain a firm understanding of USU’s gift accepting, crediting policies, and naming policy.
• Attend athletic competitions, donor events, and alumni gatherings.
• Represent the athletic department at fundraising and stewardship events.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed for games and special events.
• Maintain accurate donor records and track visits, proposals, solicitations, and fundraising metrics.
• Prepare reports on fundraising progress.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus five years of fundraising, development, advancement, or related sales experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts or high-level philanthropic investments.
• Experience managing donor and prospect portfolios.

Preferred Qualifications

• Collegiate athletics fundraising experience.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package included.

About the Organization

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, USU is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities. The university prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders and is committed to providing a high-quality and affordable education. USU enrolls over 29,800 students across 30 locations, including a main campus in Logan, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and statewide education centers. Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a member of the Pac-12 Conference. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive community, recognized as the best employer in Utah by Forbes in 2023.