"Development Officer - Bellarmine University"

Job Description

This position will build meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors to advance Bellarmine University's mission, serve as a liaison for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Rubel School of Business, and facilitate donor engagement across Bellarmine at the regional and national levels. This crucial position will play an integral role in Bellarmine's 75th Anniversary Campaign: Honoring our Past, Shaping Our Future.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a portfolio of 75 individuals that can make a major gift of $50,000 or more.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, close, and celebrate major gifts.
• Work to match donor passions with Bellarmine University's needs, which may include general support, scholarships, capital projects, or other specific projects.
• Coordinates with the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the President, academic leaders, and others to ascertain specific needs in various operational areas; and acquire their assistance in developing strategies and gift solicitations (as needed)
• Promote relationships between Bellarmine University and all potential major donors.
• Serve as an ambassador of Bellarmine University, providing information on the institution's capabilities, mission, vision, and its ability to contribute to the region's growth, security, and culture.
• Develop strategies for the acquisition of gifts which may involve the participation of staff and faculty, vice presidents, the president, or prominent alumni and friends of Bellarmine University.
• Prepare written proposals to be submitted for prospective consideration.
• Ensure that all gifts received are properly recorded, acknowledged, and administered by Bellarmine. Ascertain that donors receive appropriate stewardship for their gifts.
• Coordinate communication through the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations and the DAR team to ensure that all necessary individuals are aware of the specific, ongoing efforts to acquire major gifts.
• Develop an annual plan of work, including contact goals and fundraising goals.
• Plan, coordinate, assist, and attend various donor relations and special events for donors and the Bellarmine University community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations.
• This is a 100% in-office position.

Job Requirements:

Interpersonal and Professional Skills:

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must have a thorough understanding of fundraising
• A high degree of diplomacy and integrity is required, as well as exceptional motivation and creativity.
• The individual must be able to engender confidence, enthusiasm, and promote financial support among various Bellarmine University constituencies.
• Must be able to present well-developed strategies and implement effective courses of action in donor partnerships.
• Travel may be required to call on prospects, both locally in the Louisville area and nationally
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree.
• Proven record of cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding major gifts.
• Prior experience, preferably in a higher education setting.

Physical and Working Conditions:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Constantly operates standard office equipment such as a computer, phone, copier, and printer.
• Must be able to occasionally move about the office to access files, supplies, and meeting areas.
• Requires ability to lift to 10–20 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, office materials).
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment.
• Regular business hours, with occasional evening or weekend work based on departmental needs.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.