Development Officer

Job no: 497264
Full time/Part time: Full-time
Location: South Orange
Categories: Administrator

The Development Officer works collaboratively to develop and implement a goal-oriented and budget-conscious plan for increasing private support for university programs and initiatives, including scholarship support. Reporting to the Senior Director of Gift Planning and development, the Development Officer have a portfolio of mid-level and major/planned giving prospects. The Development Officer is directly involved in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of mid-level and major/planned giving prospects. The Development Officer effectively communicates the mission and values of the University as a part of the fundraising process. The Development Officer has a working knowledge of current best practices in all aspects of fundraising, and collaborates
with colleagues in University Advancement and all across the campus. The Development Officer will bring 3+ years of experience in advancement or a related field, preferably in higher education and be passionate about building relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and friends. The Development Officer will have a track record of solid fundraising results and demonstrated success
soliciting and closing major gifts, especially in collaboration with senior leaders of an organization. The Development Officer will have experience working with volunteer boards or committees comprising of key volunteers and alumni who are being cultivated for major gift support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Under the direction and management of the Sr. Director of Gift Planning and Development, the Development Officer will execute fundraising activity for current and future university projects and initiatives, including (but not limited to) scholarships (including the RISE Program), the Buccino Leadership Institute, and the Center for Catholic Studies. The Development Officer will manage a portfolio of prospects to include activity that qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major/planned gift prospects for University priorities. 60% of time

2. The Development Officer will develop and execute effective fundraising strategies for engaging and soliciting major/planned gift prospects in support of Seton Hall's philanthropic priorities. Under the direction of the Sr. Director of Gift Planning and Development, the Development Officer will meet or exceed mutually agreed upon annual qualitative and quantitative goals, objectives and key accountabilities in order to increase donors and dollars raised for the University. 10% of time

3. The Development Officer will prepare persuasive and accurate materials to serve as solicitations, proposals, correspondence, and other development-related communication in support of the University's fundraising activities. 10% of time

4. The Development Officer will make effective use of the University's prospect management database and other institutional resources to ensure appropriate management of donors, prospects, alumni, and volunteers in accordance with University policies and University Advancement prospect management guides. 10% of time

5. Undertake fundraising duties and special projects as assigned. 10% of time

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and at least 3 years of experience with demonstrated success of meeting or exceeding goals.
The position requires the following: 1) demonstrated success in achieving fundraising goals; 2) demonstrated understanding of fundraising best practices and in raising financial support; 3) a high level of integrity, trustworthiness, a record of working collaboratively across organizations to meet shared goals; and 4) an ability to inspire donors and volunteers to achieve and surpass fundraising goals and other objectives.

Desired Qualifications:

The successful candidate for this role will be intellectually curious, possess a passion for the value of Catholic higher education, and be able to translate the priorities of academic leadership into a compelling philanthropic vision.

Other key competencies of the successful candidate for this position include:
• Excellence in written and verbal communication
• Social intelligence and cultural awareness
• Emotional and interpersonal intelligence
• Ability to learn and adapt to new concepts/ideas
• Inclusiveness and a commitment to inclusion
• Integrity and ethical decision-making
• An understanding of conflict and change management
• Patience balanced with persistence

Salary Range:

$93,000

Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt

Physical Demands: General Office Environment

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include names and contact information for three professional references

Benefits Information:

Full Time Benefits

Life today is complex. That's why Seton Hall University offers a comprehensive package of benefits and programs to help you simplify and enrich your life.

These benefits are important elements of your total university compensation package. Benefits include but are not limited to bundled medical, prescription, and vision insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance, and retirement plan. More information is available at https://www.shu.edu/human-resources/benefits.html.

Seton Hall University is located in South Orange, New Jersey, 14 miles from New York City. It is the oldest Catholic diocesan institution of higher education in the United States and is home to about 6,300 undergraduate and 3,700 graduate students. A vibrant and culturally inclusive community, Seton Hall pursues academic excellence and ethical development in a collaborative environment and prepares its students to be servant leaders in their professional and community lives.

Advertised: 17 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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