Discovery Officer – NEW!

(posted 3/17/26)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Discovery Officer.

About the Role

The Discovery Officer supports the work of the Office of Institutional Advancement by identifying, engaging, cultivating, and qualifying prospective donors. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Discovery Officer plays a key role in strengthening the donor pipeline through early-stage outreach, relationship development, and coordinated referral of qualified prospects.

This position focuses on engaging emerging philanthropists and individuals who may be new to or re-engaging with the university. The Discovery Officer works collaboratively across Institutional Advancement, including with Prospect Research and Hollins Fund colleagues, to ensure prospects are thoughtfully engaged and appropriately transitioned based on interest, readiness, and institutional priorities. The Discovery Officer plays a defined role within Hollins’ moves management process, documenting discovery outcomes and formally transitioning qualified prospects to frontline fundraisers for deeper cultivation and solicitation.

This is an on-campus position, with the majority of constituent engagement conducted virtually through phone, email, and video communications and periodic in-person meetings and campus-based engagement. The role offers the potential to grow in scope and responsibility over time, including likely travel or possible frontline fundraising responsibilities based on institutional needs, job performance, and individual interest.

Specific duties include the following:

• Identify, engage, cultivate, and qualify prospective donors through proactive outreach to alumnae/i, parents, and friends of the university. Conduct discovery conversations to assess philanthropic interests, readiness, and alignment with Hollins’ priorities.
• Manage an active portfolio focused on early-stage relationship development and qualification. Maintain consistent, mission-aligned communication that shares relevant campus updates, highlights university priorities, and encourages participation in events and other involvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Prospect Research staff to review and prioritize assigned prospect lists and provide feedback to support ongoing research and segmentation efforts. Participate in prospect strategy discussions to strengthen coordinated pipeline development.
• Contribute to Hollins Fund initiatives as part of broader Advancement collaboration, which may include donor outreach, volunteer coordination, and participation in Reunion fundraising, Day of Giving, or other annual giving priorities.
• Document all outreach activity and discovery outcomes accurately, timely, and consistently in the donor database. Prepare qualification summaries and coordinate timely referral of prospects to appropriate Advancement colleagues as part of the moves management process.

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, advancement, alumni relations, admissions, sales, or another relationship-focused field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including comfort engaging constituents through phone, email, video, and in-person interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple relationships, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate and timely records.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office to organize, analyze, and personalize outreach communications.
• Valid United States driver’s license with minimal violations.
• Ability and willingness to travel by car, plane, and train as needed.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Familiarity with CRM or donor database systems.
• Experience working with or supporting volunteers.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Semi-final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references. Once the selected candidate accepts a contingent employment offer, criminal history, credit history, and motor vehicle background checks will be conducted.

About Hollins

Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment. The university promotes opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and offers real-world experience through global internships supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

Hollins University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. No employee or applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity), national or ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable state and federal laws.

Visit www.hollins.edu for more information.