Philanthropy Officer

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Officer role is to generate sustainable streams of major gift funding that will ensure the University’s long‑term financial health. This position cultivates and solicits gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations through in‑person visits, writes proposals and grants to private funders, plans and executes tailored donor engagement and stewardship strategies, and actively supports a campus and community culture of philanthropy. The officer regularly reports to the director on progress toward annual goals and assists in building attendance at key events, fostering collaboration and high performance within the Philanthropy team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Develop and execute an annual plan to meet solicitation goals set by the Director of Philanthropy, reporting monthly on progress. Use the institution’s donor and gift data systems to identify new prospects and cultivate relationships. Create and execute fundraising strategies for individual donors. Write and submit philanthropic grants as assigned. Prepare collateral, draft gift agreements, and develop donor engagement and stewardship materials. Remain well‑versed in procedures for securing and documenting gifts and understand the institution’s fundraising priorities. Recruit, engage, and solicit members of philanthropy‑oriented councils and giving societies. Integrate strategies, plans, resources, and timelines across Advancement and the Foundation under the Director’s leadership. Perform additional duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Outstanding interpersonal and public‑speaking skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and achievements compellingly. Highly motivated, organized, creative, and flexible. Experience with best practices in fund development. Strategic thinking and effective decision‑making. Professional, polished demeanor. Demonstrated leadership in team settings with staff, board members, and volunteers. Ability to train volunteers in fundraising best practices. Proficiency in core computer skills including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, web navigation, and electronic communications. Capacity to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Self‑motivation and persistence in challenging situations. Readiness to travel frequently to meet with donors. Experience using a donor and gift database or CRM platform. Deep commitment to the University’s mission. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree. Two (2) years of successful experience in major gifts, outside sales, grant writing, membership, or volunteer organization leadership, or equivalent combination of skills. Valid driver’s license. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 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 equivalent combination of skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Light work, occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force, frequently up to 10 pounds, or negligible force consistently with sedentary work. ADDITIONAL DEMANDS Some nights, weekends, or early hours required. Travel as needed. HOURS OF WORK Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. #J-18808-Ljbffr