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KC
Knox College
Development Officer
Career Insights for Fundraising / Development Specialist
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Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Fundraising or Development Specialist raises funds and develops funding resources for an organization, program or non-profit institution. Manages special fundraising events, online donations, individual membership or corporate donations or grants. Builds awareness of the contributions and financial needs of organizations and programs.
$69,510 / year median in Illinois
+4% projected growth
Job Description
Purpose The Development Officer is responsible for developing and sustaining donor relationships on behalf of Knox by communicating the College's needs and priorities to individual alumni, parents and friends. Position Summary Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Development Officer promotes dynamic growth in philanthropic giving to Knox. The Officer develops and implements strategies to secure philanthropic gifts over $25,000, build sustainable leadership gifts, and cultivate a culture of philanthropy. Through personalized relationship management, with a portfolio of 125+, the Officer grows the revenue potential annually—working in close collaboration with the Advancement team, College leadership, and other stakeholders. The Officer will play a vital role in all comprehensive fundraising campaigns. This is an ideal role for an experienced fundraiser, salesperson, or relationship manager ready to take ownership of a major gift portfolio at a small, mission-driven liberal arts college. About Knox College Advancement Knox College's Advancement division supports the College's mission through major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni and parent engagement, advancement operations, and grants. The team is currently focused on the Venture Boldly Campaign, strengthening connections with constituents, securing significant unrestricted support through the Knox Fund, and building a disciplined, high-performing major gifts program. Key Responsibilities The Development Officer will will have the following responsibilities: Qualify and cultivate donor prospects, solicit and close capital, planned, and annual gifts of $25,000 and up. Complete a combination of 250 cultivation/solicitation steps per year (including 125 in-person visits) with donors and donor prospects. Manage a portfolio of 120-140 major gift prospects by maintaining regular contact with assigned donors, donor prospects, and leadership volunteers. (Requires occasional weekend and evening work, including Knox's Homecoming each fall and traveling up to 50% annually). Identify ways to increase involvement of donors and donor prospects in the activities of the College, and provide appropriate stewardship for donors. Carefully review files prior to donor visits and write and file timely and thorough reports, including acknowledgments, contact reports and individual gift proposals. Participate with Advancement colleagues and others in regular planning meetings that facilitate initiating, developing, and implementing donor relationships, appropriate events, communications, activities, and campaigns. Develop, over time, thorough knowledge of planned giving vehicles such as life income gifts and estate provisions. Provide high-level support to College leadership, including preparing for and facilitating donor connections and solicitations in service of the College's mission and fundraising priorities. Work with volunteers or key stakeholders on communication and event coordination. Assist with Advancement and College events and logistics as needed. Assist Advancement with special projects and/or new initiatives as needed.