Development Officer

Development Officer

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Ignite Your Career at Villanova University Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• We believe that an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to address issues of equity and justice in a variety of ways including workshops, events and employee resource groups
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .

Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we prepare for Villanova’s next comprehensive capital campaign.

The Development Officer, under the supervision of the Director of Leadership Annual Giving, will establish and manage effective relationships with leadership annual giving prospects. The Development Officer will identify and qualify donors capable of making multi-year commitments and will implement successful cultivation and solicitation strategies for these donors in support of the University’s unrestricted designations and Strategic Plan priorities. The Development Officer will assume stewardship responsibilities for prospects visited.

The Development Officer will also collaborate across the Annual Giving team, taking part in engagement and solicitation programming and events, and contributing to the planning and execution of 1842 Day, Villanova’s annual Day of Giving, with particular focus on challenges and sponsorship gifts. The Development Officer is expected to conduct 14-16 prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 150 prospects per year, the majority of whom have gift capacity of $25,000 to less than $100,000.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Frontline Fundraising: Identify and manage a portfolio of prospects, rated between $25,000 to less than $100,000, actively bringing them toward multi-year commitments in support of unrestricted funds and Strategic Plan priorities, with a minimum ask of $2,500 annually ($12,500 commitments and above). Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects through face-to-face meetings to increase the level of private support of the University. Design and implement solicitation and stewardship strategies to meet monthly and annual goals.
• 1842 Day Challenges and Sponsorships: Support the strategy and execution of securing 1842 Day major gift challenges and cash sponsorships to drive dollar and donor success as part of our annual day of giving. Collaborate with the Director of Leadership Annual Giving and UA’s frontline fundraising team on strategy and resources to secure gifts throughout the year, including gift agreements, Salesforce tracking forms and communication with officers and donors.
• Blackbaud FPM: Effectively utilize Blackbaud’s Fundraiser Performance Management Software for prospect identification and evaluation, specifically through use of the Targeter query tool, and Advancement and Annual Giving data viewports, and the six-square segmentation predicative modeling assessment that categorizes donors by capacity and inclination to give.
• Donor Inquiries: Serve as a point of contact for general donor inquiries that come in through email, phone, mail, social media or phonathon.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects and events as assigned, such as Homecoming and Reunion weekend activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1-3 years of successful frontline fundraising experience or related non-profit advancement work, preferably in higher education. Professional sales experience may be considered as part of overall fundraising experience.
• Strong interest to demonstrate success in frontline fundraising required.
• Commitment to higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must be results-oriented.
• Ability to function with a high degree of independence with assigned group of prospects, yet interact collaboratively with colleagues, participating in and contributing to total team effort.
• Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of lap top computers, required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Special Message to Applicants:

Posting Date: 07/08/2024

Salary Posting Information: Commensurate with experience.

Salary Band: I

Job Classification: exempt

References Needed

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed: 3

Maximum Number of References Needed: 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed.com
  • Higheredjobs.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Glassdoor
  • Chronicle Vitae
  • Academic Keys
  • PA CareerLink/JobGateway
  • Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
  • Diversity Association/Publication Website
  • Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
  • Referred by a current employee
  • Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
  • Heard about it at a conference or career fair
  • Browsing the Villanova website
  • Cabrini University employee
  • Other
• * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.

Documents needed to complete your application:

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae