JOB SUMMARY:

The Development Officer is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with current and prospective donors of the university for the purpose of securing gifts to support the SVSU Foundation’s annual and major gift fundraising operations in coordination with the larger development team. They will work with individual donors, alumni, foundations, corporations and friends of the university to secure major ($25,000+) and leadership annual ($1,000-$5,000) level gifts. This position reports to the Director of the SVSU Foundation and works collaboratively with university leadership, development colleagues, and other university partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage a portfolio of 50-80 major-gift or leadership annual level prospects

• Implement and manage the donor engagement process including qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects through various methods.

• Assist with fundraising initiatives such as preparing reports, proposals, special events, and other tasks as established by department leaders and the board of trustees

• Serve as liaison to one or more foundation board committees focused on key fundraising initiatives

• Participate in the supervision of the charitable contributions program, including coordinating the approval process, screening requests for financial support and directing the disbursement of funds

• Develop strategic and structural plans, including short- and long-term goals, to position the university’s growth and development

Service Excellence

• Cultivate strong relationships with individual donors, alumni, foundations, corporations and friends of the university for the purpose of securing major gifts 

• Support the mission of the university and serve as an ambassador of the Q2 culture of service excellence

• Model, support and hold others accountable to the university’s values – integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity and teamwork

Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration

• Plan programs that promote goodwill and foster relationships with community leaders 

• Advise the Director of the SVSU Foundation on internal and external constituency relations

• Provide leadership to campus constituents on current, effective fundraising techniques

• Lead major gift initiative planning meetings

• Represent the university on committees, boards, and events 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Director of the SVSU Foundation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Relevant work experience in sales, marketing, fundraising or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability to build donor/customer relationships that lead to successful outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully conduct in-person sales calls/fundraising solicitations.

• Demonstrated ability to develop written proposals for customers/donors and a willingness to assist other staff with their business plans as needed.

• Excellent interpersonal and persuasive verbal and written communication skills including projecting a positive and professional attitude.

• Experience in higher education environment; participation in a comprehensive campaign preferred

• Knowledge of researching, writing for and facilitating grant and private foundation funding

• Knowledge of the field’s best and current concepts, practices and procedures, including planned giving techniques and vehicles

• Empathetic listener with corresponding excellence in verbal and written communication

• Detail oriented, with ability to multi-task accurately under deadlines 

• Ability to use discretion with confidential information

• Ability to work effectively at a computer for up to eight hours daily

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time

• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.

• Experience and ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Some weeknights and weekends, including intermittent travel, will be required.

Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About Saginaw Valley State University

About SVSU: Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023). SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation. SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels. More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus i...n student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.

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Connections working at Saginaw Valley State University