Regional Development Officer

Zaytuna College; Texas; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Zaytuna College is seeking a Regional Development Officer to build and manage donor relationships across designated regions. You will implement data-driven moves management to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects.

The role requires engaging diverse communities and coordinating with internal teams for cohesive fundraising messaging. The position involves travel and the ability to drive within the assigned region, with goals of increasing donor

Qualifications

• Proven success in major gifts fundraising and strategic relationship management.
• Experience in face-to-face solicitations and closing significant gifts.
• Experience using moves management methodology.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM databases and fundraising software.
• Strong organizational abilities with attention to detail and multitasking.
• Ability to connect authentically with diverse donor groups.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the assigned region.

Responsibilities

• Understand and communicate the college's mission to donors.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align fundraising messaging.
• Implement and manage a data-driven moves management process for 75–100 major prospects.
• Conduct donor engagement activities including visits and qualification activities.
• Build relationships with key organizations and communities in assigned regions.
• Draft persuasive philanthropic proposals with minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate donor interaction and outcomes in the prospect database.
• Recruit and manage a volunteer regional cabinet and advisory committee.
• Coordinate events and campus visits to boost donor participation.
• Contribute to regional strategies based on donor relations and fundraising activities.
• Meet annual performance metrics: visits, solicitations, gifts closed, and revenue goals.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship management

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Tools

CRM databases

Fundraising software

Job description

Zaytuna College is a not-for-profit higher education institution that is funded significantly by the generous support of the American Muslim community. The Office of Institutional Advancement is charged with the fiduciary responsibility of securing philanthropic revenue for the College and working closely with our donors throughout all individual interactions – from initial introduction, through financial commitment, stewardship, and beyond.

The Regional Development Office r (RD O ) is a n essential member of Zaytuna College’s Institutional Advancement team, responsible for strategically building and maintaining robust relationships with existing donors and proactively identifying and cultivating new major gift prospects capable of giving $10,000 or more annually. Th e role requires a dynamic individual who excels in engaging diverse communities and possesses exceptional skills in relationship building, donor stewardship , and strategic planning . Critical to the role is the rigorous application of the industry standard moves management processes to qualify, cultivate, solicit , and steward prospects effectively within the assigned region.

Job Title

Regional Area

Primary Scope

Permanent Residence

Expected Travel

2

Regional Development Officer

Northeast

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts , Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Western Pennsylvania

M etro a reas in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut

50% +

3

Regional Development Officer

South

Houston or Dallas metro area

50% +

Primary Responsibilitie s

• Understand the institution’s mission and accurately and effectively communicate it to donor s .
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and departments to ensure cohesive messaging and strategy alignment in fundraising efforts.
• Implement and manage a strategic , data-driven moves management process to systematically identify , qualify, cultivate, solicit , and steward a portfolio of approximately 75-100 major gift prospects and donors o f $10,000 and above annually .
• Conduct meaningful donor engagement , including scheduled visits, plus ongoing prospect qualification activities that lead toward successful gift solicitations and long-term donor commitments and relationships .
• Build institutional relationships with key organizations, masjids, institutions influencing Muslim life in assigned region(s).
• Effectively draft persuasive philanthropic proposal language with minimal supervision.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates and documentation of donor interactions, gift solicitation strategies, and outcomes within the college’s prospect management database.
• Recruit, train, and effectively manage a volunteer-led regional campaign cabinet or advisory committee, composed of influential and dedicated community leaders and supporters.
• Coordinate with the Events and Hospitality team to execute targeted events, campus visits, and other engagement opportunities that inspire increased donor participation and support.
• Contribute proactively to the team’s planning process by examining donor relations and fundraising activitie s, offering insights, and developing regional-specific strategies.
• Meet the following performance metrics per fiscal year (beginning August 1) :
• Visits (face to face, virtual, or phone): 150+
• Solicitations ($10K and above): 50
• Gifts Closed: 25
• Qualified/Discovered: 25
• Annual Revenue Goals:
• Year 1: $500K documented revenue
• Year 2: $1M documented revenue
• Year 3: $2M documented revenue
• Year 4: $3M documented revenue
• Year 5+: $3M+ documented revenue annually
• 10% yearly increase in 12,000 Strong monthly revenue in assigned region

Qualifications

• Proven success in major gifts fundraising, strategic relationship management, or related fields .
• Comfort and experience in initiating and conducting face-to-face solicitations and closing significant gifts.
• D emonstrated experience utilizing moves management methodology .
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM databases, prospect management tools, and fundraising software.
• Strong organizational abilities with acute attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to connect authentically and effectively with diverse donor groups .
• Passionate alignment with the mission and values of Zaytuna College.
• Ability and willingness to regularly travel by driving within the assigned region, air travel, overnight stays, and frequent weekend and evening commitments , including up to quarterly travel to the Zaytuna College campus for events and team meetings .
• Valid driver ’ s license, U.S. passport, and reliable transportation.

Zaytuna College is an equal opportunity employer.