Leadership Gifts Officer II

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established university seeks a Leadership Gifts Officer II to manage a diverse portfolio of alumni and constituents, focusing on securing operational support through effective cultivation and solicitation strategies. This on-campus role emphasizes building relationships and maximizing donor engagement while participating in university events. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and a background in fundraising or sales, contributing to the university's mission of supporting its diverse student body. Join a dedicated team in a vibrant environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Wellness programs

Retirement benefits

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; preferred in relevant fields.
• Minimum of three years in fundraising or sales required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 250 prospects for fundraising.
• Collaborate to identify and qualify new prospects annually.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Persuasive Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Communications, or Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM Systems (Blackbaud/Raiser's Edge)

Job description

Job Description - Leadership Gifts Officer II (DEA00000470)

Job Description

Leadership Gifts Officer II - (DEA00000470)

Description

Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

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

SMU is data-driven, with a powerful supercomputing ecosystem and an entrepreneurial drive that fosters research excellence. Now in its second century, SMU is recognized for supporting students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders. Its relationship with Dallas provides unique opportunities for learning, research, and career development, supporting a global impact.

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

About the Department

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding, promoting involvement, increasing awareness, and supporting a diverse student body. DEA includes 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 manages a portfolio of approximately 250 alumni and other constituents (parents, faculty, staff, students, friends) capable of providing annual operational support at $5K-$99K. The role involves cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects, collaborating with colleagues to maximize giving potential, and qualifying prospective donors for increased support.

Essential Functions

• Manage prospect portfolio, focusing on gifts in the $5K-$99K range, with a goal of 10-15 visits per month.
• Collaborate to identify and qualify approximately 80 new prospects annually, developing tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions and strategies in SMU’s database, ensuring coordinated communication with university colleagues.
• 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 university events like Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Commencement.
• Perform other duties as assigned and be prepared for occasional evening/weekend work and travel.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Ability to develop persuasive support cases, cultivate relationships, and solicit donations effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM systems like Blackbaud/Raiser's Edge is preferred.
• Knowledge of SMU culture, fundraising strategies, and social media is a plus. Certifications in Microsoft and Fundraising are preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Sitting for long periods, reaching, squatting, handling objects, kneeling, standing, pushing/pulling, exposure to temperature variations, and driving motorized equipment.

Deadline to Apply

May 23, 2025. Priority consideration by May 19, 2025.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator at the provided contact details.

SMU offers comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits to support staff.