Development Officer - Chatham University

Development Officer

Chatham University alumni, friends and The Office of University Advancement, which serves a diverse population of over 18,000, is seeking a Development Officer. The Development Officer should be an organized, collaborative, and highly motivated individual who will have a major gift pool, engage and cultivate alumni, secure major gifts in support of the Institution's fundraising goals, and manage an array of fundraising projects in a fast-paced environment. They will support the Executive Director and University President with key major gift and campaign projects. The Development Officer will play a vital role in engaging alumni and donors to build long-term philanthropic success and help the Development program meet fundraising goals. In addition to personal fundraising and engagement goals, they will also work to increase unrestricted support for the University through personal solicitation, mailed and email appeals, and by activating our existing network of motivated volunteers.

This position will have the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule with both remote and in-person work on a weekly basis. Specific schedules are based on job functions and project workload and are determined with supervisors.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention. Learn more at: https://www.chatham.edu/mission-and-values/diversity-and-inclusion/index.html.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a portfolio of 100-150 donors, soliciting gifts of $10,000 and above through personal contact/moves management.
• Plan, implement, and monitor fundraising projects, programs, and events designed to enhance philanthropic support for the University in collaboration with the Development Support Manager. Projects will include but are not limited to reunion giving, campaign events, giving societies, crowdfunding campaigns, and other miscellaneous solicitations and events.
• Proactively communicate with fundraising staff, faculty, alumni (volunteers and donors), and external constituents to ensure effective and timely coordination of fundraising and stewardship programs, projects, and activities.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to create prospect engagement strategies with assigned prospect pools to match prospects' interests to the priorities of the University.
• Keep a regular and proactive schedule of outreach, making a minimum of 20 contacts (calls, video calls, or substantial reciprocated written correspondence) per month and securing 100 to 120 visits per year.
• Maintain database accuracy through timely entry of contact reports and maintenance of donor information.
• Research, write, edit, or oversee the preparation of persuasive, accurate, and grammatically and syntactically correct solicitations, proposals, reports, correspondence, and other fundraising-related communication materials, as required.

• Draft content for fundraising and stewardship-related social media posts for the Alumni Association's Facebook and Instagram accounts and update content for the Individual Giving sections of Chatham's Giving website.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties, as assigned.
• Engage in learning and practicing principles of social justice and inclusion.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• At least two to three years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and interests of donors in order to develop and strengthen relationships with the University.

• Proven strength in interpersonal and communication skills-written and oral.
• Experience in successfully managing multiple, fast-paced projects independently.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Committed to working with diverse colleagues, students, and community members.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

• Ability to travel outside of the Pittsburgh region 7-10 times per year.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends when required for special alumni and donor events or travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous fundraising, higher education, and/or nonprofit and project management experience.

• Previous experience mobilizing and motivating volunteers.
• Familiarity working with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Constant Contact, and mainstream computer software like Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Salary Range:

$55,800-$63,400. 40-hour work week.

Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.applicantpro.com/jobs/3314185) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.

 

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Persons of color, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.