Senior Development Officer*

POSTING INFORMATION

Internal Title

Senior Development Officer*

Position Type

Classified

Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration

Non-Faculty

Pay Band

8

Level

3

Department

Development

Job Purpose

The Senior Development Officer (SDO) is a key member of the major gift fundraising team within the Division of Institutional Advancement. A successful SDO will be a proactive and collaborative member of this dynamic team and a champion for the College’s highest funding priorities as we continue to plan for its next campaign. One of the College’s core values is integrity, and the SDO will help foster a community that demonstrates respect for self, others and place.

The SDO develops and manages key major donor relationships to secure gifts for the College’s top strategic priorities. The SDO also aligns with the College of Charleston Honors College and Libraries to secure and grow major gift commitments. The SDO is responsible for raising at least $1,000,000 in new commitments annually.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of related experience in alumni/development activities that demonstrate leadership and accomplishment in moves management, gift solicitation and closes at $50,000+. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must be self-motivated, energetic and able to work effectively with executives, managers, volunteers, alumni, donors and College personnel. Ability to work in team atmosphere is essential and must demonstrate successful time management techniques and the skill to provide leadership and support to colleagues.

Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Must have strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to work on several projects concurrently while meeting deadlines. Analytical skills are required. Ability to develop solicitation strategies around top university objectives/funding priorities.

Additional Comments Regarding Position

Evening and weekend work is required. Regular overnight travel expected.

*This position is hybrid work eligible (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full time).

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

**Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.

Candidates must submit a Professional Philosophy Statement that addresses the following four questions:

1. Describe what philanthropy means to you.
2. Describe in detail your experience managing a portfolio of clients and/or prospects.
3. List three characteristics you believe are critical for a successful development officer/fundraiser.
4. Describe your interest in higher education and the College of Charleston.

Salary

**$73,748 - $85,000

Posting Date

10/24/2023

Closing Date

11/08/2023

Benefits

• Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental
• Retirement
• Long Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Free CARTA Bus Service
• Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Full Benefits Package – Click Here

Open Until Filled

No

Posting Number

2023181

EEO Statement

The College of Charleston is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/14615

Job Duties

Activity

School Development Liaison:

• In addition to securing major gifts for key institutional priorities, the SDO is responsible for growing the major gift program within the Honors College and the Libraries. The SDO is an active leader in key fundraising initiatives aligned to these areas. 
• In collaboration with the Deans of the Honors College and Libraries, establishes and reports progress toward fundraising goals and projections through an annual work plan. 
• Emphasis is placed on strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of philanthropic partnerships at gift levels of $50,000 to $500,000. 
• Works both independently to advance these relationships and in partnership with the Deans.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

40

Activity

Regional Travel:

• Work to build a culture of philanthropy within a specified region across the country while strengthening affinity and inclination to give to the College of Charleston.
• Make strategic engagement with alumni, parents, and friends a top priority by using a blend of in-person constituent meetings, virtual meetings when they are necessary for a donor-centered approach, and collaboration with internal stakeholders to engage individuals in their local market.
• The expectation is for the SDO to travel in the assigned region quarterly. Travel should be coordinated around the availability of top prospects in the portfolio.
• Represents not only the school to which the SDO is supporting, but also all top university campaign priorities when appropriate.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

30

Activity

Portfolio Management:

• Manages the advancement of a portfolio of school, unit and some regional major gift prospects in all phases of qualification, cultivation, and solicitation with an emphasis on donors capable of philanthropic support at levels of $50,000 to $500,000.
• Coordinates customized solicitation strategies in collaboration with strategic internal partners to include Advancement Services; Corporate and Foundation Relations; Planned Giving; Marketing and Communications; Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement to advance institutional fundraising priorities.
• Plans and executes trips to engage prospects in portfolio one-on-one and with the Deans. When possible, building schedules around Alumni Association or Admissions events.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

25

Activity

Development Team:

• Exemplifies the College’s core values with specific focus on integrity, diversity, equity and inclusion and innovation.
• Maintains a productive and collaborative working relationship with Institutional Advancement colleagues and campus partners where cooperation is essential to effective Development programs.
• Assists with special events and represents the College of Charleston to advance internal and external partnerships. Represents the College and Development Office at both on- and off-campus events.
• Participates in preparation of Institutional Advancement’s quarterly and fiscal year workplans.

Essential or Marginal

Marginal

Percent of Time

5