University Development Officer

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) … a world unlike any other. We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. To explore our benefits further, please visit https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated. Together, we can be unstoppable.

VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) seeks highly motivated, self-starting fundraisers who are looking to take their next step in major gift fundraising. Reporting to the Director of University Development, the University Development Officer will cultivate and solicit philanthropic gifts of $50,000 and above from qualified prospects across all units and programs of the university. The University Development Officer will maintain a portfolio of prospects for major gift work in order to support the fundraising goals of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. University Development Officers work in partnership with all academic units, centers, and programs of the university, as well as unit-based fundraising staff in order to collaborate on gift strategies and prospects.

The University Development Officer will conduct both necessary travel and digital engagement to advance relationships with prospects from across the university and health system. Annual performance reviews will be based on written, mutually approved operating plans and metrics.

General duties include:
● Successfully conduct a high number of engagement interactions through personal visits requiring travel, telephone and zoom solicitations, and coordinated personal written proposals in order to obtain and/or increase major gift contributions
● Become a university and hospital generalist capable of engaging on any topic across both campuses
● In conjunction with the Director of Development, set annual SMART goals and career planning/professional development objectives
● Ensure effective prospect transfers or major gift referrals to unit partners, when appropriate
● Create and sustain a system of collegiality and transparency with Lead Development Officers and partner foundations

As a team member, you will:
● Demonstrate appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU and VCU Health
● Display a strong commitment to organizational success and delivering on individual responsibilities as a university citizen
● Demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, high achievement and ongoing professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge
● Establish, cultivate and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners
● Demonstrate a commitment to the highest quality service to internal and external communities
● Demonstrate an open-minded approach to understanding people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, perspectives and experiences
● Reflect DAR’s and VCU’s core purpose and values
● Complete and maintain HIPAA training and compliance

Required qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
● Strong collaboration, written, oral, and data-analysis skills
● Familiarity with technology, software, and digital tools to communicate and engage with others
● Experience working in customer service, fundraising, or sales environments working directly with people for engagement
● Ability to work and navigate within a complex organization and diverse constituencies
● Ability to plan and execute travel for donor visits that may include overnight trips
● Reliable transportation and/or valid driver's license
● Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a university professional at VCU

Preferred qualifications:
● Master’s degree and/or 2-3 years of professional experience in front line fundraising work, customer relations, or sales-related fields
● Willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow within a high performing fundraising team

Position Details:
Department: Development and Alumni Relations
VCU Job Title: Major Gift Officer DV (15241)
Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000
Employment Type: University and Academic Professional
ORP Eligible: Yes
Hybrid Work Available: Yes
Restricted Status: N/A
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Carolyn Lee
Contact Email: clee23@vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.