OverviewThere is an opportunity for a Director of Development (Development Officer III) for the College. The position will play a pivotal role in engaging donors and partners to advance these priorities. This position is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, linking donor passions with the college's mission and emerging opportunities.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for QANR, this role participates in strategy development for the college's advancement team, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as a visible ambassador for the Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will build strong, collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure significant private support for the college's strategic priorities.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Strategic Planning- Work with the Executive Director of Development for QANR and the QANR development team to set program goals aligned with the College as well as the university fundraising priorities.
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
- Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities.
- Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college's expansion.
- Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.
Program Management & Execution- Serve as an active partner to the Dean and other academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees as appropriate.
- Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
- Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles-including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property-to develop tailored proposals.
Data-Driven Strategy- Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align with campaign goals.
- Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
- Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve fundraising and college advancement effectiveness.
Collaboration & Partnerships- Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
- Collaborate with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
- Represent the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree plus four years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor engagement and workplace culture.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications:- Advanced degree.
- Experience with capital campaigns.
Required DocumentsAlong with the online application, please attach:
- Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
- Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
- Contact Information for Professional References to be typed at the beginning of the application
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised SalaryCommensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADAEmployees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department HighlightsThe 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.
University HighlightsFounded 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 over 29,800 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 educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. 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 [redacted] or [redacted].
*updated 07/2026
