Development Officer- Annual Fund Department: Advancement
Location: Columbia, MO
Type: Staff. Full-time
Pay: $54,121 to $57,000 per year (Pay range may vary based on geographic location)
Diversity Statement: Columbia College is committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. The college maintains a safe place for open discourse; supports activities that promote diversity and inclusion; and overall, fosters a sense of community that welcomes everyone.
Job Summary: The Development Officer- Annual Fund is responsible for planning and implementing strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of current and potential donors to support the mission of Columbia College. This position will lead the annual giving activities for the organization. The position will focus on growing total giving and number of donors to the Columbia College Fund; the annual giving program for Columbia College. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, the position will also have a portfolio of 100+ donors and be tasked with one-on-one meetings to share the needs of the College and present requests for support. Working closely with the leadership giving group, this position is responsible for developing and executing fundraising appeals and initiatives to help achieve Columbia College's overall mission and the Advancement Unit's goals.
Essential Functions: - Lead efforts of the Advancement Unit to reach its goal for the Columbia College Fund in 2025.
- Responsible for at least 12 in-person or Zoom meetings monthly
- Individual visits with donors assigned in their portfolio to receive $150,000 in commitments for annual fund, planned gifts and other priorities during calendar year 2025.
- Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College's vision, mission, and values and contribute to the development of the Office of Development.
- Travel regionally and nationally as needed to build and advance relationships with alumni and friends of CC and visit assigned donors.
- Plan and execute steps for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and
- stewardship for annual donors giving unrestricted gifts to the annual fund.
- Liaison with Strategic Communications, Mail and Print Services and vendors to design and manage a comprehensive direct mail program and digital giving strategies.
- Analyze direct mail/digital solicitation program results data to refine and increase ROI.
- Be versed in direct mail and digital solicitation best practices and implementation.
- Coordinate strategy and implementation for Giving Tuesday in partnership with internal colleagues.
- Work closely with the Assistant Vice President for Development to recommend revenue goals based on best practices, data, and donor research.
- Collaborate with the Development & Advancement team to establish benchmarks and regular reporting processes to measure the results of all annual fund activities.
- Monitor prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful donor relations.
- Increase support for Giving Day and Columbia College Fund through meetings, emails and outreach.
- Support the Athletic Department's annual Week of Giving.
- Work to identify new donors and build strategies for engaging and encouraging donors to give at higher levels.
- Move potential donors appropriately and timely toward solicitation and gift closure.
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, reflect an optimistic attitude and convey sensitivity to donors' needs.
- Communicate closely with Advancement Services staff regarding information pertaining to major and planned gift prospects, including contact reports, proposal generation, gift acknowledgments and other data important for the maintenance of donor/prospect records.
- Manage special fundraising projects under the guidance of the Vice President for Advancement to enhance affinity-based fundraising and increase support for the College.
- Possess excellent project management, conversational, listening, presentation and written communication skills.
- Collaborate with appropriate Advancement staff on donor-related communications, including newsletters, reports, events, special mailings, surveys, etc.
- Educate external and internal partners on current initiatives, community funding opportunities and partnership opportunities.
- Attend College functions related to duties or as a department representative.
- Serve as a representative for the College in the community.
- Represent the Advancement Division on committees.
- Maintain complete confidentiality.
- Practice superior customer service.
- Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.
- Display respect and civility to all constituencies regardless of method of communication.
- Attend work timely and during the established hours of operation on a regular basis; work additional hours as business necessitates.
Supervision Given: None
Supervision Received: AVP, Development
Skills: - Ability to fluently read, write and understand the English language.
- Proficiency with the following, but not limited to: speaking, active listening, reading comprehension, social perceptiveness, writing, coordination, critical thinking, persuasion, complex problem solving, and judgment and decision making.
- Proficiency in using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
- Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills with all constituents.
- Effective time management skills.
- Must be strategic and forward-thinking.
- The ability to take direction and multi-task.
- Considerable knowledge of fundraising techniques and sources of funding.
- Ability to handle multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines
Education: Bachelor's degree.
Certification(s):
Experience: - 1-2 years of Alumni Relations, fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing gifts, comparable experience or demonstrated record of professional achievement applicable to the position is desired.
- Good working knowledge of fundamental computer software systems and ability to learn new systems.
Preferred Education/Experience: Higher education or non-profit fundraising or alumni relations experience desired.
Employment Requirements: - Ability to pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment, and on an annual basis, during employment.
- Ability to pass a drug test as a condition of employment, and during employment, and on a random basis or as required if probable cause or reasonable suspicion.
Special Requirements: - Some evening and/or weekend hours will be required.
- Must meet and maintain requirements as an approved driver for Columbia College.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must be able to travel to meet with prospects, and donors, attend external or internal college meetings as a Columbia College representative
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The employee must lift, carry and move a minimum of 10 pounds on an occasional basis. Must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a frequent and regular basis.
Work Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions; however, possible exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety may occur while operating certain equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild. Extensive sitting in one position. Regular interaction with the College community and the public.
This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive of every duty and responsibility required by the employee in the position.
Eligibility for employee benefits and perks is determined by employment status. For more information please see
The offer of employment and assignment to duties is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. The information may include, but is not limited to, academic, residential, achievement, performance, attendance, disciplinary . click apply for full job details