Advancement Officer

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, and working with other staff and volunteers, the Advancement Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual major gift prospects that are capable of making gift commitments of $10,000 or more to support Ferris State University’s funding priorities. Travel is required, including evenings and weekends.

Required: Bachelor’s degree, valid driver’s license, and at least two years’ experience in fundraising, sales, direct marketing, or related field, preferably in higher education or in other complex organizations.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Advance individual relationships that result in philanthropic contributions
• Identify, qualify, and manage a portfolio of prospects
• Plan and implement strategies and effective activities for soliciting prospects including candidates for planned gifts and/or multi-year pledges
• Match funding priorities to individual donor interests
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to understand the current and lifetime giving potential of individual prospects
• Ensure consistent and appropriate contact while demonstrating effective stewardship
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the university’s funding priorities and effectively articulate needs to individual donors
• Generate gift agreements for new gifts
• Serve as an active team member in the development and implementation of University Advancement goals
• Assist with developing communications, designing meeting content, preparing materials, and coordinating plans to support fundraising strategies and priorities.
• Collaborate with colleagues within University Advancement and Marketing and across the campus community
• Gather, record, and properly store information about prospects and donors utilizing the University’s donor and alumni tracking database
• Participate in the department’s activities, i.e. staff retreat, serving on special committees and understanding the University’s broader fundraising objectives
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Reports to the Associate Vice President for Advancement.
• Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

To apply and view full job description, visit https://jobs.ferris.edu

Ferris State University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to inclusion and equity. Learn more about the Ferris mission, commitment to diversity and to equal opportunity, and dynamic, student-focused community at ferris.edu. Applicants requiring accommodation or assistance completing an application/participating in the hiring process should contact Human Resources at (231) 591-2150 or fsujobs@ferris.edu.