Job Title: Development Officer
Location: Univ. of Middle Georgia
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 249739
About Us Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses—Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia—and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,000 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia’s 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia’s flagship aviation university, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the region through professional leadership, innovative partnerships and community engagement.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for conducting fundraising and philanthropic efforts on behalf of the university. Assists in identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting current and prospective donors. Manages a portfolio of donors with capacity to make gifts of $5,000 or more.

Responsibilities Major/Leadership Gift Fundraising 75%

Actively manage a focused portfolio of major gift prospects and donors by guiding their cultivation, solicitation and stewardship while at the same time setting goals to expand the base of major gift prospectsAdvance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions for the universityOrganize in-person visits between prospects and key university personnel for purposes of cultivating relationships and making solicitationsManage and solicit a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospective and current donors, conducting at least 150 personal visits annuallyDevise personalized engagement plans for each assigned prospect that include strategies of engagement and solicitationsGive presentations to communicate the fundraising priorities and needs for Middle Georgia State UniversityTravel to visit with donors within the state of Georgia and bordering states

Special Events 5%

Assist with foundation and alumni events and projects.

Operations 20%

Attend and participate in University Advancement meetingsGather, record and properly store information about prospects and donors utilizing the Raiser's Edge database to manage prospective donor strategies and moves, documenting all prospect interactions in a complete and timely fashionOther duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director of Development

Required Qualifications

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum of 3-5 years (direct or equivalent) experience managing high level donor relationships with demonstrated success in closing gifts of $10,000 and aboveAbility to manage an active portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects in all aspects of the development cycleAbility to develop, maintain and grow interpersonal relationships including with university alumni, donors, friends, corporate partners, administrators, faculty, and staffKnowledgeable of donor database, contact management and tracking systems, preferably Raisers EdgeWillingness to be hands-on in a role that is demanding and requires a high level of energy and professionalismExcellent organizational and project management skills and ability to prioritize workload in a timely manner to complete assignments with many deadlines and competing requirements.Ability to communicate well, and build rapport quickly with donors, faculty, and colleagues.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of development and fundraising program principles and best practices.Knowledge of marketing principles and methods.Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the solicitation and securing of major gifts.Skill in collaborating with multiple constituents.Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.Skill in decision-making and problem solving.Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.Skill in oral and written communication.

Background Check Offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.