Careers at RMU

Position Department: Development

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

The Development Officer is responsible for collaborating with the Senior Director of Development in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni and friends of the university for the purpose of increasing philanthropic support. The Development Officer responds to the university’s changing needs to support the strategic plan and other university priorities, performing these duties as an energetic and entrepreneurial colleague who has an understanding of, and passion for, the mission of the university and its future.

• Manages the identification, cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of a portfolio in the range of alumni, friends, donors, and prospects of the university. With a high degree of independent judgement, is expected to conduct a minimum of 12 visits per month requiring extensive travel and attendance at evening and weekend events.
• Participates in all aspects of the gift cycle: a) Initiates contacts with potential mid level ($1,000 plus) and major gifts ($10,000 plus) donors. b) Develops appropriate cultivation strategies. c) Moves potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure. d) Makes solicitations when appropriate and involves other members of the University community in order to maximize philanthropic opportunities. e) Maintains stewardship contacts with donors.
• Understanding of development principles in relation to comprehensive campaign fundraising, major gifts, and blended gifts is strongly preferred.
• Will assist the engagement team with calling at the calendar and fiscal year end as well as assisting with other small solicitations.
• Works collaboratively with and in support of advancement staff and other university representatives to cultivate and solicit donors for university-wide priorities.
• Monitors and tracks all prospect contacts to ensure positive and purposeful prospect and donor relations and maintains information in the database. Conducts donor research to discover new prospects for philanthropic support.
• Attends university campaign-related events, alumni events, awareness events, and other appropriate university sponsored events for the purpose of engaging alumni and prospective donors as part of the identification and cultivation process.
• All other duties as assigned. The Development Officer will drive on behalf of the university. Must be available by phone and email outside of typical business hours.

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum of 1 year of demonstrated leadership in advancement; preferably in higher education, including development/fundraising, alumni affairs, and/or other related areas.
• Experience with database programs (i.e. Raiser’s Edge) and understanding how to conduct donor research is preferred.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written skills are required.
• Ability to present positive, energetic image to diverse internal and external constituents.
• Outstanding management, planning, and organizational skills to work collaboratively on a team and results-based environment.
• Ability to self-manage time, priorities, and projects.
• Warm, professional interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a range of staff, faculty, volunteers, alumni, current and prospective donors, and the general public.
• A positive, achievement-oriented attitude, entrepreneurial mentality, and proactive work ethic.
• The ability to maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality with sensitive donor giving information.
• Able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• An understanding of the University’s priorities and objectives and the ability to identify external opportunities or threats affecting them.
• Valid driver's license required or reliable transportation to travel on behalf of the university.

Exemption Status: Exempt

Act 153 Clearance Required: No

Required To Pass a Motor Vehicle Report Check (If driving on behalf of the University): Yes

Required to Pass a Credit Check: Yes

Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please email humanresources@rmu.edu or call us at (412) 397-6270 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.