Colby-Sawyer College is seeking a Development Officer to assume an important role in the college’s fundraising efforts through innovative management of donors, cultivation of new prospects, and engagement of alumni, parents and friends. This is a highly visible position requiring energy, diplomacy, sophistication and an understanding of philanthropy. The Development Officer will develop strategies to move prospects into the gift pipeline. Working with other team members, this individual will cultivate relationships with alumni, parents, friends and external constituents to cultivate engagement and generate gifts for Colby-Sawyer College. Sound judgment and a deep appreciation of the College’s culture and values will be critical to successful engagement of all Colby-Sawyer constituencies. 

Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of prospects; identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects for mid-level and annual fund gifts.
• Work with the Director of Development to create and implement outreach and cultivation strategies and events for alumni, parents, friends, and other target constituencies.
• Participate in assigned special events and receptions as they pertain to prospects.
• Respond to prospect and donor inquiries and requests, including developing gift and volunteer opportunities and related written materials.
• Travel and meet with new and former prospects, to deepen engagement, enhance giving and strengthen volunteer involvement with the college.
• Develop a wide range of written cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement and stewardship materials including gift proposals. 
• Create and implement a comprehensive parent giving program, with a focus on increasing leadership, major and capital gifts and overall donor participation.
• Build relationships with current and past parents through one-on-one meetings, events, and targeted communication.
• Coordinate with athletics, admissions, student affairs, and other departments to integrate parent engagement into the broader community experience.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the advancement office and athletic department.
• Develop and manage fundraising strategies for athletic teams, facilities, and special initiatives.
• Assist with athletic donor events, including game-day experiences and cultivation opportunities.
• Participate in Advancement-related activities and events (Homecoming and Reunion weekend, commencement, etc.).
• Observe safety requirements. Report safety issues and items requiring work orders to supervisor or security.
• Work effectively with all college employees and students.

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Proven ability to solicit and close gifts.
• Organizational skills, including time and project management.
• Availability for significant travel, along with a valid driver’s license.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• Experience in institutional development or related field preferred. 

Attendance & Punctuality

• Always regular and prompt.
• Must physically be present at work.
• Available some weekend and evening hours as needed.

Computer Skills

• Sufficient computer skills to perform routine word processing and record-keeping functions.
• Comfort with using databases to track and analyze relevant data; familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT a plus.  

Other Skills & Abilities

• Precise and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with the public and cooperatively with other staff and departments. 

Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive liberal arts-based institution located in the scenic Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire. We have friendly people, beautiful nature, and small-town amenities and shops. We are located about 35 minutes south of Dartmouth College and just 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston. For more information see Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce, NH.

We strive to always be a people-first organization. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all employees. If you are looking for a place where you will feel welcome and that you belong, Colby-Sawyer College is that place.

Colby-Sawyer is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are encouraged to share what they can offer and how they can help us to achieve and maintain these values in their cover letter.

Interested candidates may also visit Human Resources in Colgate Hall Room 230, Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm, to alternatively complete a paper application.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.