Summary:

The Senior/Mid/Entry-Level Development Officer secures funds for Corban University by managing relationships with a group of prospects and current donors, assuring that they are actively engaged in the life of the university through their giving, volunteerism and involvement. (Senior-, Mid- and Entry-Level distinctions are determined by individuals education and experience qualifications)

Essential Functions: 

• Establish and manage relationships with an assigned group of individuals, foundations, churches, and planned giving prospects, acting as a representative of the President and the Board of Trustees in asking for gifts.
• Establish relationships with new donor prospects through research and referrals, taking initiative to make contact, set appointments, make initial presentations about Corban and win support for the University.
• Manage relationships by creating communication and marketing plan for each person, and to faithfully and on a timely basis execute that plan to achieve giving goals based on the donor’s giving history and the University’s knowledge of that donor’s potential.
• Establish and maintain relationships by attending and assisting with University events, and while there, to engage in positive and friendly interactions with people. Events may include advancement, athletic, performing arts or other events that are strategically aligned with relationships building goals.
• Work collaboratively within the University to secure appropriate project information, including budgets, to create offers, proposals and asks that will be used to secure gifts.
• Manage grant-seeking efforts as assigned.
• Assist with planned-giving program as assigned.
• Create monthly reports and other reports as required by management that accurately reflect personal activity and performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain a positive rapport and professional relationships with all donors and prospects over an extended period of time, resulting in a deep understanding of the donor’s motivations, interests and desires.
• Ability to take appropriate initiative and action in personal relationships such as making phone calls, setting appointments, arranging meetings, acknowledging gifts, recognizing donors, responding to donor personal needs in a professional manner, asking for referrals, and making sure that the relationship is preserved.
• Ability to tell stories of how the University is making an impact in the lives of students and the broader community.
• Ability to think strategically about donors highest giving potential for the University based on research, personal conversations and assessment of donor giving intent, resulting in reasonable financial goals for each donor, and the fulfillment of their dreams.
• Ability to create a personal contact and ask plan that takes based on the individual donor’s needs, interests, motivations, giving patterns and preferences in a timely and cost-effective manner in order to retain and upgrade donors.
• Ability to secure project and organization information and create and write effective offers, proposals and asks. And to follow up with stories about how their donation made an impact.
• Knowledge of best practices for major donor development.
• Knowledge of planned giving opportunities and an ability to talk with donors about estate and gift plans.
• Ability to get along with others while maintaining a positive, constructive attitude during stress and problem solving.
• Ability to protect the mission, goals and values of the University organization.
• Skill in writing grant proposals and managing relationships with foundations.
• Ability to manage people, process, deadlines and budget while adhering to the policies and procedures of Corban University.

Qualifications and Requirements:

All Levels:

• Proficiency in the use Microsoft Office Suite products; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or similar donor constituent software.
• Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the University’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with faculty, senior academic leaders, trustees, volunteers, and the Advancement office team.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.
• Successful, demonstrated experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of completing assignments.
• Must be willing to travel.

Senior Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in related area required, Master’s preferred.
• Five to seven years successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising or equivalent required, preferably in higher education.

Mid Level:

• Βachelor’s Degree in related area required and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Three to five years of successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising or equivalent required, preferably in higher education.

Entry Level:

• Βachelor’s Degree in related area required and/or equivalent experience/training.
• One to two years successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising or equivalent preferred.