Development Officer

Moorpark College Foundation; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Moorpark College Foundation is seeking a Development Officer to lead fundraising strategies, including a capital campaign to build a new amphitheater, expanding access to arts, culture, and community events. You will work with the Chief Development Officer to engage donors at every level and enhance the college's visibility and impact.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree or CFRE a plus) and 3–5 years in fundraising, with a track record of securing gifts from individuals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• 3–5 years of progressive fundraising experience, preferably in higher education or nonprofit.
• Proven ability to secure gifts from individuals and institutions.
• Demonstrated success in capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
• Experience using CRM systems (Bloomerang preferred) for donor management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy with the CDO.
• Set and achieve annual fundraising targets across multiple channels.
• Lead major fundraising initiatives including planned giving and donor acquisition.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and expand donor engagement.
• Plan and execute cultivation and fundraising events.
• Maintain donor records in the CRM and prepare regular reports.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor cultivation

Relationship building

Grant writing

Event planning

CRM management

Strategic communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CFRE (plus)

Advanced degree (plus)

Tools

Bloomerang

Job description

Step into a career-defining opportunity at Moorpark College, a nationally recognized leader in student success, innovation, and equity. As Development Officer, you’ll help to shape the future of philanthropy and programming for a college serving over 15,000 students annually.

This is a pivotal role with the opportunity to lead bold initiatives, including a capital campaign to build a new amphitheater that will expand access to arts, culture, and community events. You'll collaborate with senior leaders, engage donors at every level, and play a pivotal role in elevating Moorpark College’s visibility, resources, and impact.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work with the CDO to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with institutional goals.
• Set and achieve annual fundraising targets across multiple channels, including annual giving, major gifts and capital campaigns.
• Lead major fundraising initiatives, including planned giving and donor acquisition efforts.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Expand the President’s Circle program with strategic cultivation and engagement.
• Oversee donor recognition and stewardship communications to build loyalty and long‑term giving.

Grants Management

• Research and write compelling grant proposals aligned with academic and capital priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with foundation and government funders.
• Ensure timely reporting and compliance with grant requirements.

Events

• Plan and execute cultivation and fundraising events that engage donors and strengthen community connections.
• Collaborate across departments to align event outcomes with fundraising goals.
• Partner with communications, finance, and academic teams to integrate fundraising into college‑wide priorities.
• Support and guide the Foundation Board in development strategy and donor engagement.

Database & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor and gift records in the Bloomerang CRM system.
• Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director, Foundation Board, and college leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or advancement, preferably in higher education or a mission‑driven nonprofit.
• Proven ability to secure gifts from individuals and institutions.
• Demonstrated success in capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience using CRM systems (Bloomerang preferred) for donor management and reporting.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and collaboration.
• Passion for educational equity, access, and student achievement.

Success in the First Year

The successful candidate will demonstrate early impact through:

• Securing early campaign commitments, including a lead or anchor gift for the amphitheater.
• Growing annual giving revenue and expanding the donor base.
• Increasing engagement in the President’s Circle with new and retained donors.
• Planning and executing at least one high‑impact fundraising or cultivation event, annually.
• Submitting multiple grant proposals, with at least one new institutional funder secured.
• Enhancing donor operations through CRM efficiencies and actionable reporting.
• Building collaborative relationships across departments and aligning development work with college priorities.

Why Moorpark College?

• Moorpark College is one of California’s premier community colleges, known for its award‑winning programs, inclusive campus culture, and commitment to student success. With a beautiful campus in Ventura County and a vibrant community of faculty, staff, and students, Moorpark College offers a meaningful opportunity to advance educational equity and innovation.