Development Officer

Bryant University; Smithfield (RI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bryant University seeks a Development Officer to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends. You will manage a leadership donor portfolio ($1,000–$24,999) and build a robust pipeline through in-person and virtual visits, emails, social media, and events.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, strong communication, and teamwork with campus advancement partners to meet fundraising goals. Travel and flexible hours are required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of fundraising experience.
• Experience in digital fundraising and/or digital marketing is a plus.
• Experience in Higher Education setting is a plus.
• Able to plan strategically, be detail-oriented, and manage multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and communications skills.
• Travel and non-standard hours required.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Bryant's alumni, parents, and friends.
• Maintain a portfolio of leadership donors ($1,000–$24,999) and drive gifts.
• Develop multi-channel prospect cultivation strategies and track activity.
• Meet annual goals for contacts and dollars raised.
• Collaborate with University Advancement teams to move donors along the pipeline.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising

Digital fundraising

Digital marketing

Relationship management

Interpersonal skills

Writing

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Razor’s Edge NXT Database

Job description

This position is accountable for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects including Bryant’s alumni, parents, and friends. The Development Officer will maintain a portfolio of leadership ($1,000 – $24,999) donors and prospects to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward in their philanthropic support of the University and help build a pipeline of major and planned gift prospects using a combination of in-person and virtual visits combined with email, social media, video, and text message.

Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. Vision 2030 accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success.

Principal Accountabilities

• Manage a pool of 1,000+ assigned leadership-level ($1,000-$24,000) gift prospects serving as the primary Bryant contact leveraging both multi-channel digital (social media, email, video conferencing) and face-to-face contact (personal visits, attendance at cultivation events, etc.). The Officer will build collaborative, trusting relationships with prospects, donors, and volunteers and ensure that each has a clear strategy and timeline for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Participate in developing appropriate multi-channel prospect cultivation strategies, determining potential giving opportunities and optimal gift levels; provide regular reports of all activities through designated reporting methods and inputting information in Development database.
• Meet assigned goals for prospect contacts and dollars to be raised as determined annually.
• Work closely with colleagues in other areas of University Advancement (Bryant Fund, Major Gifts, Advancement Services, Communication and Stewardship) to ensure donors are moved along in the gift giving pipeline.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

This position is best filled by an individual with an undergraduate degree, advanced degree preferred; at least 1-3 years of demonstrated success in fundraising. Experience in digital fundraising and/or digital marketing to create highly personalized communications and in a Higher Education setting is a plus. The Officer must be able to plan and think strategically; be detail-oriented, but able to manage multiple projects simultaneously; and have strong interpersonal, writing and communications skills. Microsoft Office Suite and Razor’s Edge NXT Database experience is a plus. Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities. Travel and non-standard hour are required.

At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.

Posting Number

Posting Number STA02822

Work Hours

Open Date

Open Date 08/27/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Letter(s) of Recommendation

Office of Human Resources
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02918