Position: Senior Development Officer

Location: Tempe, AZ (Need locals only)

Primary Skills: leadership, Relationship, donors, alumni, Fundraising and Collaboration.

Summary:

This position is responsible for implementing and maintaining strategic fundraising initiatives, overseeing alumni engagement efforts, and fostering lifelong connections between alumni and the college. The Senior Development Officer collaborates closely with the Marketing and PR/Communications team to design and execute programs that drive donor engagement and strengthen the college’s alumni network. Additionally, this role serves as a liaison with donors, volunteers, Foundation representatives, and other stakeholders, contributing to the growth of endowments and institutional support.

Responsibilities:

40% – Fundraising and Donor Cultivation:

• Implements development programs and strategies by conducting research, identifying prospective donors, and cultivating donor relationships to build loyalty.
• Coordinates and oversees major planned giving programs to create a strong and consistent pipeline of giving and donor loyalty.
• Identifies and stewards major gift donor partnerships and prospective donors, maintains donor contact, and implements stewardship programs.
• Includes gift acknowledgment, recognition, and reporting on funding and distribution.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to design and implement development programs that enhance charitable contributions.

25% – Alumni Relations:

• Plans and executes alumni-focused events, including reunions, networking opportunities, and recognition ceremonies.
• Establishes and supports an alumni advisory council to encourage active involvement in the college’s mission and initiatives.
• Develops engagement programs to foster lifelong relationships with the college, such as mentorship, volunteer, and career development initiatives.
• Partners with the PR and Communications team to align alumni engagement strategies with broader campaigns and communications efforts.

15% – Leadership and Collaboration:

• Leads and supervises key initiatives and projects related to fundraising and alumni engagement, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Coordinates cross-functional teams, including volunteers, to execute initiatives effectively.
• Collaborates with academic departments, Foundation representatives, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for engagement and development.

10% – Operations and Reporting:

• Updates and maintains donor and alumni database information, ensuring accurate records of contributions, prospective donors, and alumni engagement metrics.
• Prepares, edits, and reviews proposals, reports, and correspondence for development and alumni programs.
• Contributes to the creation of information and communication materials used for donor and alumni cultivation.

10% – Other Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned to support the college’s development and alumni engagement goals, offering flexibility in meeting organizational needs.

Required Skills:

• Fundraising for university/higher education setting
• Relationship building skills
• Manage alumni programs

Preferred Skills:

• People prospecting
• Well organized
• High value donor marketing

Interview Process:

• Interviews will be hybrid.
• First interview is remote; second interview will be in-person.