Discovery Officer

Description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, this position assists in the discovery of prospective donors to build a sustainable prospect pipeline. This position is responsible for identifying and qualifying new or lapsed donors to the University.

Essential Functions:

• Work with Advancement leadership to develop a comprehensive strategy for pipeline development.
• Cold-call annual giving level donors to set up online, phone, or, once feasible, in-person discovery visits.
• Conduct approximately 15-18 visits each month, preparing contact reports after visits.
• Work with Prospect Management and Research to assign individuals to the appropriate prospect manager portfolio for cultivation.
• Serve as the primary manager for discovery prospects not assigned to prospect managers; responsible for implementing follow up communication with prospects as needed.
• Assist with member acquisition and renewal for the President’s Circle ($1,000+ annual donors); upgrade donors who give $750-$999 using varied methods of solicitation.
• Identify major gift prospects and work with prospect research staff to evaluate giving potential.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors on an individual basis and coordinates collaboration with and for other prospect managers, appropriate institutional representatives and the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports the mission, vision and values of the University.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with systems within the Microsoft Office suite.
• Relevant experience in fundraising or relationship driven sales.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Willingness to travel overnight for several days at a time.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Belief in and the ability to represent the Elmhurst University mission and core values.
• A strong work ethic with an ability to work alone and within a larger team.
• Ability to collaborate within and across campus departments.
• Goal-oriented, results focused.