"Development Officer"

Development Officer

The Development Officer serves as a key fundraising professional responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts in support of the Adams State University Foundation and Adams State University's strategic priorities. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, this position plays a crucial role in the Foundation and University's overall fundraising efforts and works collaboratively with University leadership to advance philanthropic support for Adams State, and growth of the Foundation Endowment. The Development Officer will spend the majority of their time (not less than 80%) assisting the Foundation with fundraising resources in alignment with donor intent and University goals and priorities (endowment growth and program funding).

The Development Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with the capacity to make gifts of $10,000+, developing meaningful relationships that connect donors' philanthropic interests with the University's greatest needs and priorities. This position will work in close partnership with the VP of Advancement on larger gift opportunities while independently managing a substantial portion of the major gifts program. This position must also regularly communicate with the Foundation Board of Directors and report activities at each Board meeting.

This position is located in Alamosa, Colorado with extensive travel required within the state and occasional national travel. Evening and weekend work is necessary to meet with donors and attend University events. The ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with the advancement team is essential.

Specific Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Major Gift Strategy and Portfolio Management

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 80-120 major gift prospects and donors, implementing strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to benefit the Adams State Foundation Endowment and Adams State University
• Conduct 120-150 face-to-face visits annually with prospects to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward them through the giving cycle
• Present comprehensive proposals that align with the Adams State Foundation’s and Adams State University's fundraising priorities, including endowed scholarships, program support, and capital support

Collaboration & Institutional Engagement

• Collaborate with the VP of Advancement on solicitations for gifts of significant magnitude
• Advise the VP of Advancement and the Foundation Board on strategies for donor engagement with the University President
• Collaborate with the Alumni Relations Office on events to engage potential prospects
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Public Relations Office on donor recognition/impact stories and other projects
• Support campaign efforts and serve on campaign committees as needed

Donor Stewardship & Community Relations

• Provide exemplary stewardship to current major donors, ensuring continued engagement and support of the University and Foundation
• Serve as a University ambassador, developing relationships with constituents throughout the region and beyond

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in the Foundation’s database system - Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge - and utilize the database to properly track donor outreach
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities, pipeline development, and progress toward goals aligned with the University and Foundation
• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Advancement to ensure the success of the department.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in development, with demonstrated success in securing major gifts, or directly relevant experience
• Strong understanding of gift fundraising principles, practices, and techniques
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to articulate the mission and vision of Adams State University to diverse constituencies
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, with tact and discretion, with a wide-range of constituencies including: colleagues, university leadership, volunteers, alumni, donors, and community partners
• Understanding of financial planning and tax implications for philanthropic activity
• Commitment to fostering inclusive practices in all aspects of work

Preferred:

• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts of $10,000+
• Familiarity with the San Luis Valley and/or rural communities
• Experience with fundraising database systems - Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge
• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Experience in higher education fundraising
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and strategies

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $74,856-85,152. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page.

How to Apply:

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal.

No other format of application material will be accepted.

Completed applications include the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary at the time of appointment)
• Three professional references, including phone number and email for each

For full consideration, applications should be received by 12/12/2025. Review of completed applications will begin immediately after this date and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

Questions about the position may be directed to Jake Rissler at jrissler@adams.edu