The Development Officer (Development Officer I) or Associate Director (Development Officer II) of University-Wide Development is responsible for advancing the university's mission through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts ($25,000 and above). This position will collaborate across colleges, departments and programs to help achieve specific fundraising goals.

The University-Wide Development unit, in coordination with Collegiate Development, enhances regional development efforts within the State of Utah and strategic out-of-state territories. University-Wide also serves departments including, but not limited to, the Division of Student Affairs, Student Success, University Libraries, University Honors Program, School of Graduate Studies, Office of Research and the Office of Global Engagement.

This position requires extensive travel, including overnight trips. This position also requires occasional event attendance that may occur during nights and weekends.  It will be hired at either a level I or II based upon qualifications and duties assigned - see Qualifications section.  

Key Responsibilities:

Major Gift Solicitation

• Successfully solicit major gifts ($25,000 and above) from university alumni and friends.
• Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount and purpose.
• Develop a multi-year pipeline of support.
• Draft fundraising proposals that align with donors’ philanthropic interests.

Donor Engagement and Prospect Management

• Build relationships and engage with constituents through individual outreach and communication efforts.
• Utilize university events to connect with alumni and friends of the university.
• Cultivate and steward donors while expressing appreciation and communicating impact.
• Manage prospects and donors through deliberate actions to enhance their engagement with USU and strengthen their desire to support the mission and vision of the university and its programs.

Philanthropic Strategies

• A strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods and strategies is required to have meaningful gift conversations with constituents.
• Ability to work within and communicate the philanthropic gift framework established by USU Advancement.
• Knowledge of USU philanthropic impact areas, funds, programs and campaigns to best connect donors with causes that are meaningful to them.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate effectively and collaborate with university advancement staff, collegiate development officers, program and department heads and university administration.
• Effectively communicate fundraising initiatives, opportunities and strategies with university supporters.

Strategic Planning

• Work closely with the Senior Director of University-Wide Development and university program leaders to establish strategic fundraising initiatives and goals.
• Collaborate with Senior Director of University-Wide Development and Development Officer Analysts to determine strategic outreach and donor development actions.
• Opportunities to meet with and participate on volunteer boards, committees and councils made up of university and community stakeholders and USU administration.

University Representation

• Must represent the university during meetings, donor visits and events while communicating the university’s mission, vision and impact.
• While in a working capacity, it is vital to always represent the university in a first-class manner and avoid engaging in any actions that could reflect negatively on the university.

Goal Achievement

• Meet and exceed annual metrics including, but not limited to, number of visits, solicitations, gifts received and gift amount totals.

Qualifications:

• This position will be hired at one of two possible levels based on qualifications and duties assigned:
• For Development Officer I:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For Associate Director of Development (Development Officer II):
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus one year of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For both levels:
• Ability to have complex gift conversations and a track record of closing gifts or negotiating contracts.
• Demonstrated experience building successful, productive and collaborative relationships with top university administrators, deans and board members.
• Demonstrated experience staffing dean’s councils, advisory boards and committees.
• Supervisory and coaching experience of professional staff.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical, research and management skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with donors, volunteers, and staff members from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to position the Dean to maximize her/his potential as a fundraiser for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (students, alumni, faculty, staff) from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced academic degree.
• Successful major gift fundraising experience.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software and CRM systems.
• Experience designing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Record of success in establishing positive relationships with donors, alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The Division of Advancement is a welcoming office where teamwork and inclusiveness are highly valued. Advancement staff are engaged in the meaningful work of securing private financial resources to fuel Utah State University's mission by creating gratifying gift and engagement experiences for USU's generous and passionate alumni and friends. Comprising the division are the office of the Vice President, the USU Foundation & Board, Advancement Services, the Alumni Association (Alumni Engagement), Gift Planning, Corporations and Foundations, Strategic Communications, Stewardship, the Annual Fund and ACE (Alumni Center for Engagement). Furthermore, the division coordinates all fundraising efforts across campus, including colleges, various programs, extension campuses, and USU Athletics. Through the collaboration of these units, the Division of Advancement is able to achieve significant annual fundraising goals by inspiring stakeholders to invest their time and resources in Utah State University. 

The Associate Director/Development Officer of University-Wide Development will report to the Senior Director of University-Wide Development. University-Wide Development is part of the USU Advancement Central Development unit, under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Central Development.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025