Leadership Gifts Officer II

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Leadership Gifts Officer II to cultivate and solicit support from a diverse portfolio of alumni and constituents. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant community, fostering relationships that lead to impactful contributions. You will collaborate with dedicated colleagues, strategizing to maximize giving potential and advance prospects to major gifts. With a commitment to ethical leadership and community engagement, this position allows you to make a meaningful difference while enjoying competitive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits

Dental and vision coverage

Wellness programs

Retirement plans

Tuition benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of fundraising or sales experience required.
• Experience with alumni, parents, and volunteers is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a prospect portfolio of up to 250 prospects focused on operational giving support.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Degree in Sales or Nonprofit Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM Systems (Raiser's Edge)

Job description

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About SMU
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries, engaging in small classes, research, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students across eight schools, including Dedman College, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology, and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data-driven, with a robust supercomputing ecosystem supporting research excellence. In its second century, SMU is recognized for supporting students, faculty, and alumni as ethical, enterprising leaders. Its relationship with Dallas provides unique opportunities for learning, research, and career development, fostering global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian, committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:
Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU through funding, involvement, awareness, and enrollment of diverse students. DEA includes offices such as the Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development. SMU leverages its largest fundraising campaign to enhance academic quality and impact.

About the Position:
This is an on-campus, in-person role. The Leadership Gifts Officer II develops, cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of about 250 alumni and constituents (parents, faculty, staff, students, friends) with potential operational giving support of $5K-$99K. The officer collaborates with colleagues to maximize giving potential, advance prospects to major gifts, and qualify potential donors for increased support.

Essential Functions:

• Manage a prospect portfolio of up to 250 prospects at the $5K-$99K level, focusing on the $50K-$99K range, maintaining contact through visits and correspondence (10-15 visits/month).
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and qualify approximately 80 prospects annually, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies via various communication methods.
• Work with Research, Records, Gift Administration, and other departments to accurately record and manage prospect information, ensuring coordinated efforts.
• Solicit gifts supporting university priorities, including Giving Day, and focus on donor retention, acquisition, and reactivation of lapsed donors.
• Maintain knowledge of fundraising areas such as schools, units, student aid, libraries, and athletics.
• Participate in and support Annual Giving Office events for cultivation and stewardship, such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Commencement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position requires occasional evening/weekend work and travel.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required; degrees in Sales, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Communications, or Marketing preferred. Minimum three years of fundraising or sales experience required. Experience with alumni, parents, and volunteers is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to develop relationships across constituencies; problem-solving, organizational, planning, and time management skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM systems like Raiser's Edge preferred; knowledge of SMU culture and fundraising strategies is a plus. Certifications in Microsoft and Fundraising are preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sitting for long periods
• Bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, standing, pushing/pulling, handling objects
• Exposure to temperature/humidity changes
• Driving motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply: May 23, 2025. Priority consideration by May 19, 2025.

EEO Statement: SMU does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Contact: Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator, Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 214-768-3601, [e-mail].

Benefits: Competitive health, dental, vision, wellness programs, retirement plans, and professional development including tuition benefits.

Primary Location: Dallas, TX

Job Details: Development, DEA - Alumni Relations, Full-time, Day shift, Individual Contributor, No travel.