Welcome to Samford University's application process powered by NeoEd!
You can submit an online application by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link! After viewing the Posting, click the 'Apply' tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our new online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can upload a saved document on your computer containing your information, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.
Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to job qualification information. Demographic information is maintained only for statistical reporting and is not associated with individual applications.
It is important that you review any prepopulated information as applications must show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.
Description
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, the Development Officer for University Advancement provides essential fundraising support in central advancement with a focus on planned giving, foundation funding and university wide fundraising initiatives. The primary function of this position is to secure outright, blended, and deferred gifts. In this role, you will develop and maintain long-term relationships with individuals, businesses, and foundations through strategic engagement. In addition, you will collaborate closely with financial advisors and legal professionals to develop and implement tailored giving plans that align with the donor’s financial and philanthropic goals while ensuring impact at Samford. Performance is measured by a set of university-specific and industry-informed metrics, including visits, contacts, calls, submitted proposals, and secured gifts.
Job Duties
- Manage a donor portfolio to build meaningful relationships and secure outright, blended, and deferred gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Conduct in-person and virtual visits to qualify or disqualify prospects.
- Maintain prospect activity and detailed contact reports in the University’s CRM system.
- Coordinate involvement with the Director of Gift and Estate Planning and University Advancement leadership in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of planned giving prospects.
- Collaborate as part of the development team to advance shared fundraising goals and priorities of the University.
- Assist in the development and execution of a comprehensive planned giving program to include annual marketing and stewardship plans.
- Stay informed on changes in tax laws, estate planning, and charitable giving trends to provide the best possible options to donors.
- In collaboration with the Director of Prospect Development, assist in the research of foundations to identify potential funding partners.
- Secure gifts for strategic fundraising campaigns prioritized at the University level.
- Assist in building and maintaining relationships with foundations who are current or potential funding partners.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or public relations.
- A commitment to and understanding of the Christian mission of the University.
- Ability to travel as well as to perform weekend, evening and holiday work as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education or non-profit fundraising.
- Knowledge of various planned giving and estate planning vehicles including bequests, charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts.
- Strong communication skills for engaging effectively with donors, prospects, advisors, and colleagues in both one-on-one and group settings.
- Excellent skills in networking and relationship-building.
- Demonstrated experience in Estate Planning, Planned Giving, Financial Planning, etc.
- Knowledge working with foundations and/or fundraising campaigns.
- Experience creating and implementing marketing and stewardship plans.
- Proven track record of securing outright, blended, and deferred gifts in a nonprofit setting.
- Experience seeking grants and working with foundations.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems for daily work.
