Student Development Officer

Title: Student Development Officer
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: DevelopmentFundraising

Job Summary

The Student Development Officer (SDX) will work as part of the Philanthropy Engagement Center and report to the Associate Director of Philanthropy Engagement and Sr. Managing Director Annual Giving and Philanthropy Engagement. This role is part of an innovative pilot initiative aimed at qualifying annual giving donors for the major gift leadership annual and planned giving pipeline. The SDX will engage donors through a strategic outreach cadence conduct virtual or phone visits with donors and alumni assess donor responses and qualify or disqualify as prospects for leadership annual giving or major gifts.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Donor Engagement & Pipeline Development

Manage an assigned portfolio of donors utilizing phone calls emails personalized video messages text direct mail and virtual meetings to establish meaningful relationships and to engage educate and evaluate donor interests.

Identify donor interests and giving potential through strategic qualification conversations conducted via phone or virtual visits.

Serve as an ambassador for Illinois State University providing updates on campus priorities scholarships and giving opportunities.

2. Collaboration with Development Officers

Work closely with the Directors of Development to understand and support fundraising priorities across colleges.

Attend development meetings to discuss donor strategies and key focus areas.

Participate in select donor visits with development officers assisting with stewardship efforts and donor cultivation.

3. Specialized Training & Skill Development

Develop professional communication skills in fundraising donor stewardship and relationship management.

4. Technology & Software Utilization

Utilize philanthropy engagement software to track donor interactions maintain records and generate reports.

Analyze donor data to improve engagement strategies and fundraising effectiveness.

The Student Development Officer (SDX) position is a unique opportunity to gain handson experience in fundraising nonprofit development and donor engagement while building a strong foundation for a career in philanthropy communications or business.

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the Universitys 403(b) Plan. More information can be foundhere.

Pay Rate

$19.00/hour

Required Qualifications

1. Current student enrolled at Illinois State University

2. Prior work experience in a professional or leadership setting

3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a focus on donor interactions or persuasive communication

4. Ability to meet deadlines and work independently

5. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

6. Ability to handle confidential donor information with discretion

7. Strong problemsolving skills and ability to think strategically

8. Commitment to attending at least four scheduled shifts per week

Preferred Qualifications

Experience interacting with donors to engage solicit and close philanthropic gifts.

Interest in fundraising nonprofit work or higher education philanthropy

Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software or donor databases

Work Hours

*Schedule to be determined in conjunction with Associate Director Redbird Philanthropy Engagement Center.

Monday: 8am 4pm

Tuesday: 8am 4pm

Wednesday: 8am 4pm

Thursday: 8am 4pm

Friday: 8am 4pm

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without reasonable accommodations:

Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

Fall 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume Cover Letter Reference List and Work Availabilty

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on Apply

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable an employment history review based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986 Public Law 99603 requires all new employees to file an I9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University as your employer is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages withholding and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of oncampus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of oncampus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at . The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system please call Human Resources at .