Development Officer

Development Officer – Inside Higher Ed

Location: MGA - Macon

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job : 293154

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Other

Industry: Online Audio and Video Media

MGA:
Middle Georgia State University, a multi‑campus public institution with campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman and Warner Robins, and a fully‑online campus. The university enrolls about 8,400 students from across Georgia and offers six academic schools including a flagship aviation program.

At MGA the Foundation plays a vital role in advancing the university. The Development Officer will work with the Advancement team to develop and implement fundraising strategies, including major gifts. The role involves overseeing strategy, planning and execution of the major gifts program.

• Actively manage a focused portfolio of 125‑150 major gift prospects, guiding cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions.
• Organize in‑person visits between prospects and key university personnel.
• Conduct at least 150 personal visits annually and devise personalized engagement plans.
• Give presentations on fundraising priorities and needs.
• Travel within Georgia and bordering states to meet donors.
• Attend and participate in University Advancement meetings.
• Gather and store information in Raiser's Edge, documenting prospect interactions promptly.
• Assist with foundation and alumni events and projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Development.

• Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3-5 years managing high‑level donor relationships, closing gifts of $10,000+.
• Knowledge of donor database systems, preferably Raiser's Edge.
• Knowledge of development and fundraising principles, marketing, solicitation.
• Excellent organizational and project‑management skills.
• Proficiency in collaboration, computer use, decision‑making, problem‑solving, interpersonal relations, communication.
• Ability to manage an active portfolio of major gift prospects throughout the development cycle.
• Willingness to be hands‑on in a demanding role.

• Knowledgeable of donor database, contact management and tracking systems, preferably Raisers Edge.
• Knowledge of development and fundraising program principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of marketing principles and methods.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the solicitation and securing of major gifts.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments with many deadlines and competing requirements.
• Skill in collaborating with multiple constituents.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.
• Skill in decision-making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to manage an active portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects in all aspects of the development cycle.
• Ability to develop, maintain and grow interpersonal relationships including with university alumni, donors, friends, corporate partners, administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to communicate well, and build rapport quickly with donors, faculty, and colleagues.
• Willingness to be hands‑on in role that is demanding and requires a high level of energy and professionalism.

MGA is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity provider. The university recruits, hires, trains, promotes and educates persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status, in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. For more details, contact the MGA Office of Human Resources at .

Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.