Human Resources

Senior Development Officer

The Senior Development Officer is responsible for the overall management and growth of the major gifts program, which is charged with managing relationships and securing support from donors who are capable of making gifts of $25,000 or above.  This individual will manage a personal portfolio of identified prospects, develop and implement a plan for major gift fundraising across the country, and will be expected to be engaged in intensive development of the major gift prospect pool through discovery work. The Senior Development Officer is responsible for leading a small team of staff engaged in major gift work. This will include direct supervisory responsibility, utilization of  the Moves Management process, and oversight of all aspects of the gift cycle:

(1) initiating contact with potential major donors

(2) developing appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers

(3) moving potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure

(4) making solicitations when appropriate

(5) maintaining stewardship contacts with donors                 

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION:

  • BA degree required; post-graduate degree preferred
  • Superior interpersonal skills including exceptional listening, questioning, and intuitive abilities
  • Strong leader with excellent communication, presentation, planning, and technical skills
  • Self-starter with proven organizational skills needed to manage a portfolio of prospects, plan and execute travel and prospect initiatives, direct staff and keep major gifts initiatives moving forward on schedule
  • Ability to work with a team and keep supervisors and natural partners well informed while acting independently
  • Adept at relating to people of different ages, temperaments, and backgrounds
  • Experience in a higher ed setting and an understanding and commitment to small liberal arts college education
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule that will include significant travel when deemed safe
  • 5-7 years’ experience in major gift work

Muskingum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from populations traditionally underserved by higher education to apply.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to:  Kathy Moore, Human Resources Manager; at moore@muskingum.edu or faxed to 740-826-6131.   Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  

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