Development Officer

Kansas State University Foundation; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with company contribution

Paid leave for holidays and personal time

Tuition assistance and wellness reimbursement

Job summary

A recognized educational foundation located in Manhattan, KS, seeks a skilled professional for major gift fundraising. Responsibilities include proactively engaging with donors, presenting proposals for significant gifts, and building lasting relationships. Ideal candidates have a background in sales or account management with strong communication skills. This full-time role requires regular travel to cultivate donor connections, promising a rewarding career dedicated to impactful contributions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of full-time experience in metrics-driven roles.
• Experience conducting face-to-face meetings and closing deals.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Proactively reach out to potential donors through calls and visits.
• Present and solicit major gifts through effective proposals.
• Manage multiple donor relationships and travel frequently.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Persuasive presentation

Self-motivation

Job description

Compensation: $65,000-$75,000

Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)

Positions Available: 2

Hiring for: College of Agriculture and College of Health and Human Sciences

Our Promise to You

• Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer
• Tuition and certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
• A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
• Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world
• View more benefits on our website or click here!

Are you a skilled sales professional, account manager, or relationship builder looking to channel your talents into something truly meaningful? At the Kansas State University Foundation, we unite purpose-driven work and pioneering strategy to create careers that matter. Put your people skills and drive to work in major gift fundraising, where you help shape the future of K-State and make an incredible impact.

Why Make the Move?

If you thrive in sales, account management, or similar roles, your strengths directly translate to success in major gift fundraising. Here, you’ll leverage those essential client management skills—prospecting, relationship building, presenting proposals, and exceeding goals—to inspire and connect a network of passionate K-State alumni and donors.

What You’ll Do

• Proactively reach out to potential donors through calls and visits, qualifying prospects and cultivating relationships—just like in sales, but with a focus on legacy, not transactions.
• Strategically present and solicit major gifts ($50,000+) through effective major gift fundraising proposals.
• Manage multiple robust client (donor) relationships and regularly travel to meet face-to-face.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop strategies for meaningful major gift fundraising.
• Keep all activity documented and outcomes measurable, recognizing and stewarding donors at every stage.

Requirements

What We Value

Bring your success from sales, account management, or client service into an organization where your abilities will shine in major gift fundraising:

• 2+ years of full-time experience in metrics-driven roles, requiring measurable output and a track record of building relationships
• Experience conducting face-to-face meetings, presenting materials, and closing deals—in this case, fostering impactful major gift fundraising partnerships
• Excellent communication, persuasive presentation, and active listening skills
• Drive to meet metrics, self-motivation, and the willingness to work as part of an inspiring and collaborative team

Travel

Regular travel (by plane and car) is necessary to achieve an average of 12-15 in person meetings per month. Those who thrive in our organization embrace the demands of frequent travel. Be prepared for numerous hotel stays (you keep the points!), air travel, and substantial time on the road. Favorite podcast anyone?

Ready for a Career Move with Purpose?

If you’re passionate about building relationships and hitting targets, imagine what you could achieve in major gift fundraising. Transform your sales or account management skills into a rewarding career that changes lives at K-State and beyond.

Join us—apply your talents and ambition to a higher-purpose team that thrives on innovation, impact, and excellence in major gift fundraising.