Development Officer

POSITION:

Development Officer ( Background in athletic fundraising preferred)

REVISION DATE:

November 10 2025

CLASSIFICATION:

Full-time Exempt Salary $72K-$76k pending on experience

REPORTS TO:

Sr. Director of Development & Alumni Relations

JOB PURPOSE:

The Development Officer is responsible for assisting in identifying cultivating soliciting and stewarding gifts from the leadership gift level of $10000 to $25000 and above from alumni and other constituents to support the University of Lynchburg and its students both athletes and non-athletes. The qualified candidate will manage a portfolio of approximately 100 donor prospects and will conduct a minimum of 10 personal visits a month entailing virtual meetings local and regional travel. This position must work independently and collaboratively with the advancement team and other stakeholders such as the Athletic Director senior administration deans department heads and others. The candidate will be an individual who has demonstrated a progressive experience in leadership and major gifts. The selected candidate will develop long-term relationships with various constituencies and help develop a pipeline of prospective donors. The Development Officer will assist donors by helping them fulfill their passions and interests through giving to the University of Lynchburg to further support the students we serve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy: Develop and execute a supporting fundraising plan for the athletics department including the athletic annual fund and specific team needs.

Donor Relations: Identify cultivate solicit and steward a portfolio of prospects and donors with an emphasis on securing leadership and major gifts of $10000 or more.

Team-Specific Giving: Work directly with coaches and athletic staff to identify and fund priority projects and needs for 600 student-athletes across multiple sports.

Collaboration: Partner with the broader advancement team to align athletic fundraising efforts with the universitys overall campaign goals and priorities.

Events and Engagement: Plan and execute fundraising events campaigns and stewardship activities to engage alumni parents and fans and promote a culture of philanthropy within the athletic and broader communities.

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES:

1. Discretion with confidential information.

2. Positive enthusiastic professional image in representing the University of Lynchburg both internally and externally.

3. Team player with a strong dedication to the purpose and mission of the university.

4. Personal value system that encompasses a solid work ethic conscientiousness and the ability to forge productive relationships.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer

Copy Machine

Telephone/Voice Mail

MANUALS AND REFERENCES:

Gift Policies and Procedures

Staff Handbook of Personnel Policies and Procedures

Blackbaud Raisers Edge and SLATE

ORAL OR WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS:

Excellent English-language oral written and listening skills for effective communication in representing the University. Good math skills for developing reports and budgets.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The functions of this position are usually performed sitting with some standing. Some tasks may involve walking stooping kneeling bending lifting or carrying. Attending a % of athletic competitions. Tasks such as working at a computer keyboard involve extensive wrist and hand movements. The normal work schedule is 37.5 hours per week with possible evening and/or weekend hours. Travel is required.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of three to five years of experience in higher education fundraising or related field and experience in direct sales or gift solicitation; strong organizational verbal and written communication skills along with qualities of initiative and leadership; an ability to work well with key members of the Universitys internal and external audiences; freedom and willingness to travel and work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.