Development Officer

KSU Foundation; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

HSA contributions (company paid)

401(k) with company contribution

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition assistance and certification

Wellness program stipend

Flexible work environment

Mission-driven workplace

Job summary

Kansas State University Foundation seeks a sales- and relationship-oriented professional to advance major gifts for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Your sales and account-management experience will help you cultivate donors, present compelling proposals, and close multi-thousand dollar gifts.

This onsite role supports alumni and donors across Kansas with travel and strategic outreach. Join a mission-driven team that values measurable results, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing

Qualifications

• 2+ years in metrics-driven roles, delivering measurable outputs.
• Experience conducting in-person meetings and presenting material.
• Strong communication, persuasion, and active listening skills.
• Proven ability to build and manage donor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Proactively reach out to potential donors with calls and visits.
• Present and solicit major gifts of $50,000+ through proposals.
• Manage multiple donor relationships and travel for meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop fundraising strategies.
• Document activity and measure outcomes, stewarding donors at every stage.

Skills

Metrics-driven work

Face-to-face meetings

Excellent communication

Relationship-building

Job description

Compensation: $75,000-82,000 annually

Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)

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 for the College of Veterinary Medicine, where you help advance excellence in animal health, biomedical research, and veterinary education that improve the lives of animals and people across Kansas and beyond.

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 who are committed to advancing veterinary medicine, supporting future veterinarians, and driving innovative research, education, and patient care that strengthen animal and public health.

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 car and plane is required to achieve an average of 12-15 in-person constituent visits per month. Because portfolios are strategically managed and travel is optimized around constituent locations, a single trip may include multiple visits in a day. Travel volume varies throughout the year based on portfolio needs, visit opportunities, and fundraising priorities. Those who thrive in our organization embrace the flexibility that comes with frequent travel, including hotel stays, air travel, and 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.