The Development Officer is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with donors and prospective donors to secure philanthropic support for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The position focuses primarily on mid-level giving, scholarship support, recurring restricted gifts, and other funding opportunities that directly benefit ABAC students and programs.
Working with the Vice President of External Affairs (VPEA), the Development Officer identifies prospective donors, develops relationships, solicits gifts, and stewards existing supporters. The position also works to strengthen recurring donor commitments, identify opportunities for increased giving, and develop relationships that may lead to larger philanthropic investments in the College.
The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in building relationships and connecting people with opportunities to support ABAC. Previous professional fundraising experience is not required. Individuals with demonstrated success in relationship management, sales, community engagement, business development, or other related fields are encouraged to apply.
The Development Officer reports to the VPEA.
MAJOR DUTIES
• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and prospective donors, with particular emphasis on mid-level gifts, scholarships, recurring restricted contributions, and other institutional funding priorities.
• Manages an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects, developing relationships that encourage continued and increased philanthropic support.
• Conducts regular, meaningful personal contacts with donors and prospects through in-person meetings, telephone conversations, and electronic communications.
• Works with existing scholarship donors to maintain and strengthen relationships, encourage continued support, and identify opportunities for additional commitments.
• Identifies prospective donors interested in establishing scholarships, supporting academic programs, or contributing to other restricted funds.
• Develops and presents gift proposals and other donor communications in coordination with the VPEA.
• Identifies donors with the interest and capacity to make larger philanthropic commitments and collaborates with the Advancement Officer and VPEA to advance those opportunities.
• Secures sponsorships for college programs and events as assigned, particularly when opportunities align with existing donor relationships or institutional fundraising priorities.
• Collaborates with the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving to identify potential donors, coordinate fundraising activities, and support appropriate donor stewardship efforts.
• Maintains accurate donor records, contact reports, solicitation plans, and gift documentation in the donor/alumni database.
• Participates in donor recognition, stewardship, and college events in support of fundraising goals.
• Works with the VPEA to establish and achieve annual goals related to donor contacts, solicitations, commitments, donor retention, and funds raised.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the VPEA.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain meaningful professional relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to listen, understand individual interests and motivations, and communicate opportunities effectively.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple relationships and responsibilities.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate confidently and comfortably with individuals from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to learn fundraising principles, donor cultivation strategies, and philanthropic practices.
• Proficiency with computers and the ability to learn donor management software and related systems.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, and the mission of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The VPEA provides direction, training, and regular oversight, including the establishment and review of performance goals. The position requires initiative and independent judgment in managing assigned relationships and responsibilities while working collaboratively with other advancement staff.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include applicable ABAC and University System of Georgia policies, federal and state regulations, and established ABAC Foundation procedures. Professional standards, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Statement of Ethics and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards, also guide the position.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The purpose of this position is to increase philanthropic support for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College through the development and stewardship of donor relationships, with particular emphasis on scholarships, recurring restricted gifts, and mid-level giving.
The position requires the ability to identify opportunities, develop relationships, communicate institutional needs, and encourage philanthropic commitments. Success depends on initiative, sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to follow through on established goals and responsibilities.
CONTACTS
Contacts include alumni, donors, prospective donors, business and community leaders, college faculty and staff, students, and other institutional partners.
Contacts are intended to build relationships, identify philanthropic interests, secure contributions, and steward ongoing support for the College.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is generally performed in an office environment with regular meetings and activities outside the office. Travel is required to meet with donors and prospective donors, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This position does not have supervisory duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required.
• Demonstrated experience in a professional role involving relationship building, communication, customer or client engagement, sales, community relations, or similar responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, organizational ability, and sound judgment.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.
Previous fundraising experience is preferred but not required. Candidates will be evaluated based on their demonstrated skills, relevant experience, potential for success, and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
