Development Officer - Major Gifts

Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Posted On: Fri Apr 3 2026 Job Description:

The development officer will cultivate, solicit and steward donors capable of making gifts of $35,000 and higher and meaningfully engage the next generation of prospective donors to UAlbany.

The development officer's work is to design and execute strategies to move assigned prospective donors through the gift cycle by getting to know them, listening to their interests and concerns, connecting them with the university in intentional and thoughtful ways, and inspiring them to make gifts that align with UAlbany's priorities. They will close gifts and leave donors feeling they have made a meaningful impact on students and faculty. They will have the opportunity to help lead special projects, execute on- and off-campus donor events, and collaborate with faculty, staff, and advancement colleagues. We are looking for a team-oriented professional who understands the role and mission of a highly regarded public research university.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Establishes and maintains strong and effective working relationships with internal constituents and department chairs.
• Manages a portfolio of high-priority prospects, involving the dean, faculty, and volunteers as appropriate in prospect contacts.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with prospects/donors throughout each year, making significant contacts through at least 110 in-person meetings.
• Works with the associate vice president for advancement to develop goals and strategies for prospect solicitation.
• Works with associate vice president for planned giving to evaluate various gift opportunities and giving vehicles and, when appropriate, make recommendations about the most suitable giving vehicles for a particular donor.
• Works with the director of corporate and foundation relations to identify and execute opportunities for support from foundations and corporations.
• Collaborates with donor relations colleagues to ensure appropriate stewardship of assigned donors.
• Works closely with the deans, directors of development and other colleagues to identify and recruit appropriate new members for advisory boards and other leadership opportunities.
• Helps to organize special events and projects in support of development programs.
• Maintains complete and timely records of contacts with prospects.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to: AVP for Advancement
• Supervises the following positions: none
• May supervise employees as assigned (if no direct reports at time of filling position)

Job Requirements:

• Strong communication skills: oral, written, and listening.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across a complex institution.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to connect and partner with a range of people including senior staff, donors, and volunteers.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies and foster inclusion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details are essential.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meet with donors.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Minimum three years frontline fundraising experience OR related marketing/sales/communications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofits or higher education soliciting and closing major gifts is preferred.
• Master's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.

Working Environment:

• Typical office environment
• Significant travel

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: SL-4, Associate Director of Fund Raising, $75,000-$80,000

Special Note: This is an Appendix C title, not eligible for permanency. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.

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