Special Gifts Officer

South Dakota Board of Regents; Kentucky; On-site; USD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Special Gifts Officer to enhance its advancement team. This role focuses on identifying and cultivating relationships with donors capable of significant contributions. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree, relevant fundraising experience, and strong interpersonal skills. A competitive salary range of $55,339 - $65,100 is offered, along with an extensive benefits package, including flexible benefits, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Benefits

Flexible benefits package

Reduced tuition for education

Paid family leave

Professional liability coverage

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in major gifts.
• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of philanthropic partners.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research and interviews.
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships.
• Conduct regular visits with prospects and donors to present funding opportunities.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions and contributions.

Skills

Relationship building

Fundraising experience

Data analysis

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Dakota State University is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Special Gifts Officer to join our advancement team. This position plays a critical role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual prospects and donors with the capacity to make gifts of $50,000 or more. The Special Gifts Officer will focus on aligning donor interests with university priorities to generate significant philanthropic support for scholarships, facility updates, and other key areas.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is required in Marketing, Education, Accounting, Finance, or other related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in major gifts or leadership giving.
• Experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Strong ability to build relationships, listen to donor needs, and cultivate donor loyalty.
• Ability to analyze donor data and fundraising trends to develop strategies.
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting to groups of various sizes.
• Proficiency with database management systems.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of philanthropic partners.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and qualify potential donors through research, interviews, and other engagement methods.
• Develop and implement personalized strategies to cultivate relationships with prospects.
• Conduct regular in-person and virtual visits with prospects and donors to build meaningful relationships and present compelling funding opportunities.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing donors through consistent communication and recognition efforts.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions, proposals, and contributions in Raiser’s Edge.
• Work closely with University leadership to understand funding priorities and translate these needs into compelling donor opportunities.
• Partner with colleagues across the University to identify potential prospects and create comprehensive donor engagement plans.
• Plan and attend events to engage with potential and existing donors, representing the University’s mission and goals.

Benefits:

• Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
• Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage
• Paid family leave

How to Apply: To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. The employment site will allow the attachment of a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and contact information for at least three professional references.

For questions concerning the position, contact Alicia Entringer at [e-mail].

Salary and Benefits: Advertised Salary NFE Pay Grade 7S: $55,339 - $65,100; depending on qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: DSU is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.