"Development Officer Or Senior Development Officer"

Job Summary

Multiple Positions Available

Bucknell University is seeking talented, relationship-driven Development Officers and Senior Development Officers to join our growing University Advancement team in preparation for our campaign. These roles are ideal for fundraising professionals who are energized by building meaningful relationships, connecting donor passions to institutional priorities, and making a lasting impact through philanthropy. The positions involve extensive travel (approximately 50% of the time) to build and strengthen relationships with key donors, offering opportunities to engage directly with alumni, parents, and friends across the region.

Whether you are a strong major gift fundraiser ready to grow or a seasoned professional prepared for higher expectations, Bucknell offers a collaborative environment where strategy, relationships, and results matter.

Job Duties

Strategy & Engagement (Approx. 30%)

• Develop strategies that align donor interests with Bucknell's priorities.
• Collaborate with university leadership to tailor approaches that maximize fundraising outcomes.
• Participate in portfolio strategy reviews
• Prepare strategic briefings and coordinate meaningful engagements that deepen donor connection to the University.

Portfolio Management (Approx. 70%)

• Consistently engage in strategic face-to-face meetings with principal ($1M+) and major ($100K+) gift prospects and donors to advance them through the donor continuum. Secure individual gifts of $100,000 or more and meet annual data-driven metrics.
• Manage all aspects of the donor portfolio, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build and grow a healthy prospect pipeline across alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
• Partner with Gift Planning colleagues to maximize charitable giving opportunities.
• Plan and host campus visits and experiences that prepare donors for leadership-level giving.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor and prospect records, including contact reports, strategies, and next steps.
• Staff large scale campus events and plan visits for individual constituents to return to campus for meaningful cultivation.
• Travel extensively (including air travel and major metropolitan areas) to support portfolio engagement and stewardship.

The Strategic Philanthropy team is organized into three regional teams: New York Metro, Atlantic Region and West/Midwest. Positions are currently available across all regions. Candidates will be hired into the Development Officer or Senior Development Officer role following a review of their skills and experience against the minimum qualifications. Regional placement will be determined based on individual experience, location, portfolio needs, and overall team balance. This position may be considered for remote work, pending approval of the specific work location and in compliance with the University's HR and Payroll requirements.

Hiring Ranges:

• The hiring range for the Development Officer $72,640 to $90,800.
• The hiring range for the Senior Development Officer is $88,000 to $110,000.

Development Officer - Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrates practical application and experience with technology such as database functions/reports, and Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite
• Demonstrable track record of creative and collaborative strategy that results in successful closures of gifts/sales/related experience or in building relationships
• Valid U.S. driver's license

Development Officer - Preferred qualifications

• Major gift experience with a successful track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in a higher education setting
• Demonstrates working knowledge of the field of gift planning, including gifts of complex assets, gift vehicles offered by the University, federal and state tax considerations surrounding charitable giving, and the financial considerations involved in administering planned gifts

Senior Development Officer - Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrates practical application and experience with technology such as database functions/reports, and Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite
• Demonstrable track record of creative and collaborative strategy that results in successful closures of gifts/sales/related experience or in building relationships
• Valid U.S. driver's license

Senior Development Officer - Preferred qualifications

• Eight (8) years of leadership and major gift experience with a successful track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts in a higher education setting
• Demonstrates working knowledge in the field of gift planning, including gifts of complex assets, gift vehicles offered by the University, federal and state tax considerations surrounding charitable giving, and the financial considerations involved in administering planned gifts

Physical demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time; sit at a computer and use a mouse/keyboard for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work in a demanding environment with multiple competing deadlines and frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to travel with or without accommodations

Benefits: Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to): Flexible scheduling options determined by role; Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options; An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions); Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!); Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods. A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives; A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card.

To apply, visit https://bucknell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/401-Post-Office/Development-Officer-or-Senior-Development-Officer_R0000002324.