Job title: Development Officer
Company: Columbia College
Job description: Development OfficerDepartment: Office of DevelopmentLocation: Columbia, MOType: Staff, Full-timePay: $54,121 to $57,000 per year (Pay range may vary based on geographic location)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 and overall, fosters a sense of community that welcomes everyone.Job Summary:
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, the Development Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and potential donors for gifts. The Development Officer is responsible for developing and executing fundraising initiatives and programs to help achieve Columbia College’s overall mission and goals. This position involves travel, prospecting, cultivating, soliciting and managing relationships with donors, as well as coordinating fundraising activities.Essential Functions:
- Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission and values, and contributes to the development of the Office of Development.
- Manage a portfolio of up to 200 prospects at various stages in the fundraising process including initial contact, sharing the priorities of Columbia College, making requests for support and stewardship.
- Responsible for at least 20 in-person or Zoom meetings monthly
- Receive $300,000 in commitments for annual fund, planned gifts and other priorities during each calendar year.
- Travel regionally and nationally to visit donors assigned in portfolio.
- Build positive relationships with donors ensure positive and purposeful engagement.
- Increase support for the priorities of Columbia College and the Advancement unit through one-on-one meetings, emails and outreach.
- Prepare briefings, gift agreements, and other correspondence for current and potential donors, collaborating with Advancement leadership as requested.
- Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and gift closure.
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflect an optimistic attitude, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors.
- 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.
- Work closely with leadership and collaborate regularly with the fundraising team.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, strong presentation and organizational skills, and an ability and willingness to travel regularly and extensively are necessary for success in this position.
- Demonstrate and maintain basic knowledge of deferred gift options.
- Ability to work as a team on cultivating and stewardship gifts and fundraising.
- Communicate effectively with departmental personnel, providing written and verbal documentation of prospect calls; routinely report to Advancement Services staff to enhance the development program.
- Interact with the Board of Trustees, President, Provost, Alumni Relations, the Development team, Public Relations, Academic Deans, department chairs and other staff as appropriate.
- Collaborate with appropriate Advancement staff on donor-related communications including newsletters, annual reports, event, 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:
NoneSupervision Received:
AVP, DevelopmentSkills:
- 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 for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
- Proficiency for 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 constitutients.
- Effective presentation and communication skills.
- Effective time management and delegation skills.
Education:Bachelor’s degreeCertification(s):Experience:
- 1-2 years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in cultivating and closing gifts, comparable sales experience or demonstrated record of professional achievement applicable to the position.
- Good working knowledge of fundamental computer software systems.
Preferred Education/Experience:
- Higher education fundraising or alumni relations experience.
- Fundraising experience, preferably in higher education or a non-profit setting.
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 may 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 https://www.ccis.edu/careers/.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, employment history, credit history, driving history, and criminal history of public record.Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.Columbia College is an equal opportunity employer.In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the Department of Campus Safety for Columbia College has provided the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and crime statistics for the main campus and venues nationwide.Columbia College is required to distribute this information to all current and prospective employees and students. Please follow the link below for the full report or contact Human Resources at 573-875-7495 for a printed copy.https://www.ccis.edu/campus-safety/crime-reporting/reports-stats
Expected salary: $54121 – 57000 per year
Location: Columbia, MO
Job date: Fri, 20 Jun 2025 01:40:50 GMT
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