Senior Advancement Officer

About Susquehanna

Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.

Job Summary

The Senior Advancement Officer reports to the Associate Vice President of Campaigns and works to cultivate, solicit, close and steward principal gift prospects through solicitation of outright major gifts of support, estate gifts, and other blended gift opportunities. As part of a collaborative team and a long-term donor cultivation strategy, the position also assists alumni engagement and annual giving areas as appropriate. The ability to combine a sales and marketing-oriented strategy with strong relationship-building skills is essential. The Senior Advancement Officer joins a committed and collaborative team of Advancement professionals promoting a life- long culture of philanthropy to the SU community. The Senior Advancement Officer role offers a hybrid/remote work arrangement, allowing flexibility while maintaining a focus on collaboration and productivity.This position is defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• The Senior Advancement Officer will be assigned a geographic region (s) and will work with the Advancement Researcher, Associate VP of Campaigns, and VP of Advancement to identify, prioritize and qualify prospective donors within that region in to a prospect pool of approximately 90 to 110 individuals.
• While specific goals will be set annually it is expected that the Senior Advancement Officer will make 110 personal visits in the first year and 140 personal visits with prospects and donors each year thereafter.
• As assigned by VP for Advancement, assist with estate and legacy gift planning and estate and legacy gift settlement, including but not limited to correspondence and conversations with donors, donor representatives (including family members), legal and financial advisors, and financial institutions. Stay apprised of changes and developments in applicable charitable estate planning processes, IRS rulings, and laws.
• Plan, implement, evaluate, and document an ongoing and appropriate series of moves that enhance prospective donor relationships with the university and that lead to important philanthropic support of SU. Prepare solicitation materials, briefings, contact notes and follow up communications and materials in a timely manner.
• Develop strategies and prepare and deliver written and/or verbal proposals for prospective principal gift donors seeking gifts in the range of $50,000 to $1,000,000 or more and work towards goals of total major/planned gifts closed at a minimum of $500,000 annually within the first year with expectations of total major/planned gifts closed of $1,000,000 annually after 24 months.
• Provide effective and meaningful stewardship to donors within prospect pool and recommend, plan and implement events and activities as appropriate in support of cultivation and/or stewardship objectives.
• Participate in university events including Homecoming, reunions, stewardship, and other similar events as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree required.

Experience

Five to seven years of fund raising, sales or marketing experience or an equivalent amount of experience in an academic institution in a position that demonstrates a sophisticated appreciation and knowledge of the mission, goals, and financial priorities of a higher education institution is required. The individual's background in these roles should be characterized by initiative, achievement, and integrity.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of English language including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Skilled at written and verbal communication, including formal presentation to groups. Ability to set priorities and advocate team concepts; work collaboratively with faculty and staff. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook and Copilot, as well as a database for prospect management purposes. Superior written and oral communication skills are required. Personal characteristics will include strong interpersonal, organizational, and strategic planning skills.

Additional Information for Applicant

Additional Requirements

This position requires a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive and qualify under the university's insurance carrier when driving a university and/or leased vehicle.

Physical Demand

The position requires the ability to sit for long periods of time at a desk and to drive a car as well as the ability to travel by air. Frequent local travel, moderate regional travel, occasional national travel. Position requires the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction. Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach. Position requires occasional stooping, crouching, and bending. Position requires the ability to occasionally lift to 10 pounds.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/susqu/jobs/5295359/senior-advancement-officer