Development Officer

Position Summary

The Development Officer assists donors in making South Dakota State University a preferred choice for their philanthropy. This position will play an instrumental part in the SDSU Alumni & Foundation efforts to grow participation and develop a pipeline of supporters through the qualification and cultivation of donors. This role will effectively match the interests of prospects and donors to specific university needs through phone calls, digital interactions, and face-to-face visits.

• Solicit donations to increase philanthropic support for South Dakota State University, focusing on commitments of $1,000 to $25,000.
• Establish and manage donor-centered relationships in an evolving portfolio.
• Execute donor outreach aligned with annually identified fundraising needs including, but not limited to, annual scholarship renewals, key affinity groups, and priority projects.
• Draft and customize correspondence, proposals, and other written materials for identified prospects and donors.

• Design and execute appropriate and effective qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies to move assigned prospects through the gift cycle.
• Aid in elevation of donors capable of making significant gifts to the university through utilization of a qualification and evaluation process.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of pertinent communications and contact reports following prospect and donor engagements within database.
• Utilize technological tools and systems to aid in management of a high-volume portfolio focused around strategic areas of need.

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the priorities of our academic colleges and the university.
• Actively collaborate with other team members to cultivate relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and external constituents to enhance engagement and generate gifts for the university.
• Actively support the exploration of innovative donor engagement techniques including multichannel communications, data analysis, and engagement with fundraising goals.
• Serve as an advocate for South Dakota State University and the SDSU Alumni & Foundation.

• Travel regionally as well as attend evening and weekend activities as required.

• Other duties may be assigned to meet the organization’s needs.

Associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. Two or more years of professional experience in related field (such as communications, sales, client relations, fundraising, higher education, or alumni relations) is recommended.

• Demonstrated curiosity and analytic ability to organize information and identify patterns, trends, and relationships in complex data sets.
• A high level of interpersonal skills, both in person and by phone, to handle sensitive and confidential situations with varied internal and external constituencies.
• Customer service skills requiring clear communication in person, on the phone, and in writing are essential.
• A high level of integrity, including ability to treat confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to be organized and resourceful to locate and compile information and accomplish projects with minimal supervision.
• Consistent attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment with professional demeanor, self‑reliance, and resourcefulness.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• High energy, positive attitude, and high degree of initiative.
• Proficient experience using the most recent versions of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and some lifting. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office and/or clerical equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Regular attendance is required in this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

The SDSU Alumni & Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.