Development Officer
Job Description
Position: Development Officer
Reports To: Vice President of Development
Type: Full Time (exempt)
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Start Date: Fall 2026
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000/year | Commensurate with Experience, competitive benefits package
Position Overview
Under the supervision of the Vice President of Development, the Development Officer (internal title Philanthropic Partnerships Officer) at Albuquerque Community Foundation will play a crucial role in building the Foundation's endowment and impact and securing significant financial support from individuals to advance the Foundation's mission to serve our community by mobilizing and stewarding resources to create equitable opportunity for all. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, dynamic and results-oriented fundraising professional with a passion for philanthropy, a deep understanding of donor engagement, and the ability to cultivate and steward long-term relationships with donors and professional advisors.
This is a non-supervisory role with significant autonomy over your donor portfolio and limited administrative responsibility, so your time goes to building relationships and closing gifts.
Main Job Responsibilities:
Donor Cultivation, Stewardship and Fund Development:
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and close philanthropic partnerships through new prospects, current donors, and professional advisors (attorneys, accountants, wealth managers and trust officers) with a focus on endowed, non-endowed, and estate gifts
- Develop and implement personalized cultivation strategies for each donor prospect, ensuring a deep understanding of their philanthropic interests and motivations
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors through regular communication, meetings, and personalized engagement activities
- Prepare and present compelling proposals and presentations to secure philanthropic partnerships
- Collaborate with the Executive and Leadership Team on donor prospects
Fundraising Strategy and Execution:
- Collaborate with the Vice President of Development to set annual fundraising and fund development goals and develop strategic plans to meet or exceed those targets
- Track and report on progress toward fundraising and fund development goals, providing regular updates to the Foundation's Development Committee and Board of Trustees
- Collaborate with the Communications & Marketing and Development teams on the coordination of donor events, including recognition events, special briefings, and exclusive gatherings, designed to engage and inspire donors
- Work closely with the Communications & Marketing Manager to create targeted marketing materials and donor communications that align with the Foundation's mission and fundraising goals
Professional Advisors and Complex Gift Management:
- Serve as lead staff liaison to professional advisors including managing the Professional Advisor Committee and broader network
- Regularly connect with and present to professional advisors and their firms to ensure the Foundation is top of mind for their client's philanthropic planning
- Collaborate with the Executive Team on the facilitation of all complex gifts, including bequests, planned gifts, real estate, closely held business interests and private foundation conversions
- Remain informed on legal and technical issues related to community foundations and the philanthropic field as it relates to current and prospective donors and gifts; advises the Board and staff on these issues as necessary
Portfolio Management:
- Manage a portfolio of donor prospects, ensuring consistent and meaningful engagement with each
- Conduct regular prospect research to identify new potential donors and assess their capacity and inclination to give
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all donor interactions in the Foundation's donor database
Other Responsibilities:
Team Collaboration:
- Collaborate with other members of the development team to ensure a coordinated approach to fundraising and donor engagement
- Participate in Foundation-wide events, meetings, and initiatives as needed, including Board of Trustee meetings and the Annual Meeting
Reporting and Analysis:
- Prepare reports on fundraising activities, including pipeline development, donor engagement, and revenue projections
- Analyze fundraising trends and donor behavior to inform future strategies and tactics
Community Engagement:
- Represent the Albuquerque Community Foundation at community events, networking functions, and other public forums to raise awareness of the Foundation's work and attract new supporters
- Stay informed about community needs, challenges, and opportunities to align fundraising efforts with the Foundation's mission
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
- All staff are encouraged to develop a practice and learning around diversity, equity, and inclusion
Qualifications and Skills Required:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with a minimum of 5 years of experience cultivating and closing significant philanthropic gifts.
- A proven track record of securing six-figure gifts and larger from high-net worth individuals is preferred.
- Knowledge of the Albuquerque community and its philanthropic landscape is highly desirable
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred
- Knowledge and experience working with planned giving, donor advised funds and other philanthropic vehicles.
Alignment with Foundation Values:
- Trust: Build relationships based on authenticity, actionable change, adaptability, and cultural humility
- Equity: Address ongoing injustice and work to change systems of oppression and harm
- Integrity: Provide high-quality service with humility and respect
- Accountability: Be responsible and transparent in learning, striving, and adapting towards becoming the community's foundation
Technical Skills & Communication Skills:
- Proficiency in MS Office products
- Develop knowledge and expertise in Community Suite software
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage donors
- Strong writing and presentation skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with donors
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadline
- Must be available to attend Foundation donor/prospective donor events and interact positively with attendees.
- Engaging interpersonal communication style
Work Style:
- Self-motivated, initiative-driven, and integrity-based work style
- Ability to prioritize competing time and schedule demands
- Exhibit a professional, courteous, and friendly demeanor
- Dependable and sound decision-making capability
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Other:
- An understanding for philanthropy and a commitment to the mission of the Albuquerque Community Foundation
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information
- Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation
- Current valid US Driver's License, insurable, and has transportation to get to approximately 5-10 off-site meetings in the ABQ metro area each month
- Availability to attend up to 2-4 evening functions a month with advance notice
Work Environment
This position is eligible to participate in the Foundation's hybrid work environment, meaning the employee has the option to work from home two days a week, as approved by the employee's supervisor and Foundation management. Work may be performed in an office setting within the Foundation or another organization or business office, private home or public gathering place. Evening, weekend or irregular hours may be required. Reimbursable travel throughout the four county areas comprising the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan Area is required. Occasional reimbursable travel outside that area may be required from time to time. The Foundation operates with a small staff. All staff members are expected to participate as needed in all areas.
