Director of Development

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

University Advancement

Job Summary

The Development Officer will report to the Chief Advancement Officer and will be primarily responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding mid-level and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Retaining current donors is a crucial aspect of the Development Officer's role, as it helps ensure ongoing support for the University. This role involves developing and executing strategic fundraising plans, managing donor relationships, coordinating appeals campaigns, and contributing to the overall success of Advancement efforts. The Development Officer will collaborate with various stakeholders, alumni relations, and other university departments, to align fundraising activities with the academic priorities and goals of the University as defined by the Columbus State University President.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Cultivate prospects and present proposals for leadership level gifts ($10,000+) and maintain positive relationships with donors and prospects.; Identify and implement strategies to engage and retain the top donors for current initiatives.; Maintain knowledge of best practices in development and show evidence of implementation and incorporation of these practices in activities, calls and initiatives.; Collaboratively participate as a member of the University Advancement team on development and stewardship initiatives.; Fundraising Strategy: Collaborate with University Advancement leadership to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with the University goals and priorities.; Prospect Identification: Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, to support the initiatives, programs, and scholarships.; Donor Relations and Retention: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors, alumni, and friends of the college. Foster a sense of community and engagement. Collaborating with University Advancement leadership, develop and implement annual and long-range strategic plans for level gifts of $10,000+.; Provide regular updates on fundraising progress and collaborate on strategic decision-making to University Advancement leadership.; In the fundraising software, document and share all development and stewardship work related to identifying, evaluating, cultivating, and soliciting donors.; Stewardship: Collaborating closely with University Advancement leadership, recognize and appreciate donors, ensuring continued support and involvement.; Budget Management: Work within budgetary constraints to maximize fundraising efforts and contribute to the financial health of the University.; Other: Collaborate with University Advancement leadership on strategic projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Previous experience in development, fundraising, or a related role is preferred but not required.; Effective communication and relationship-building skills.; Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.; Familiarity with fundraising software and donor databases.; Understanding of academic priorities and the capacity to articulate them to potential donors.; Ability to travel as needed.; Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $66,468 - $86,432 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: An initiative-taker, comfortable working independently, but consistently contributes to the team.; Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.; Maintain consistent and positive communication with the Dean and University Advancement staff.; Facilitate strong communications with alumni.; Excellent communication skills to include effective and persuasive writing, public speaking, and people skills.; Professional demeanor.; Careful attention to detail.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Karen McCauley, Hiring Manager, via email at mccauley_margaret@columbusstate.edu.