Director of Development: Major Gifts & Partnerships

Utah State University; Logan (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University is seeking a Director of Development for the S. J. and Jessie E Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The role leads donor engagement and major gift strategies to advance college priorities, reporting to the Executive Director of Development. The position involves travel and collaboration with the Dean, faculty, and university partners to secure transformative private support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations with a track record of closing significant gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor engagement and workplace culture.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
• Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities.
• Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college’s expansion.
• Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.

Skills

Donor engagement

Major gifts

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Advancement tools

Job description

Utah State University is seeking a Director of Development for the S. J. and Jessie E Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The role leads donor engagement and major gift strategies to advance college priorities, reporting to the Executive Director of Development. The position involves travel and collaboration with the Dean, faculty, and university partners to secure transformative private support.