Job Title: Senior Development Officer
Job Type: Contract
Location: 100% Onsite - Tempe, Arizona
Remote/Hybrid: Not applicable (fully onsite)
Interview Process:
- 1st Interview: Remote
- 2nd Interview: In-person
Position Summary:
The Senior Development Officer plays a vital role in supporting the mission of Rio Salado College by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding prospective and current donors, including alumni. The position leads strategic fundraising initiatives, enhances alumni engagement, and strengthens the college's donor and alumni network. This role collaborates closely with the Marketing and PR/Communications teams and acts as a liaison with donors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders to grow endowments and institutional support.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Donor Cultivation (40%)
- Implement development strategies to research, identify, and cultivate donor relationships.
- Coordinate and oversee major and planned giving programs to create a strong donor pipeline.
- Identify and steward major donor partnerships and maintain consistent donor contact.
- Implement stewardship efforts, including acknowledgment, recognition, and reporting.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance charitable contributions.
Alumni Relations (25%)
- Plan and execute alumni-focused events (reunions, networking, recognition).
- Establish and support an alumni advisory council.
- Develop lifelong engagement programs including mentorship, volunteerism, and career development.
- Align alumni engagement strategies with institutional campaigns and communications.
Leadership and Collaboration (15%)
- Lead and supervise key fundraising and alumni initiatives.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and volunteers to execute projects.
- Collaborate with academic departments, Foundation reps, and stakeholders for engagement opportunities.
Operations and Reporting (10%)
- Maintain donor and alumni database records, including contributions and engagement metrics.
- Prepare and review proposals, reports, and donor communications.
- Contribute to the creation of promotional materials for donor and alumni outreach.
Other Duties (10%)
- Perform additional tasks as needed to support development and alumni engagement goals.
Required Skills:
- Fundraising experience in a university or higher education setting
- Strong relationship-building abilities
- Proven experience managing alumni programs
Preferred Skills:
- Skilled in people prospecting
- Highly organized
- Experience in high-value donor marketing