Donor Engagement Officer

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Culture, the Donor Engagement Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to drive revenue growth and retain long-term partnerships. This role involves creating and executing fundraising initiatives, including planned giving, annual giving, and major gifts. The position works closely with the College leadership to develop and implement funding priorities with annual targets and outcomes to ensure strategic goals are met and successful fundraising campaigns achieved. The Donor Engagement Officer will work 29.5 hours per week.

Job Duties

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that drives revenue growth, donor acquisition, and long-term partnership retention, aligned with the College's strategic and annual fundraising plans.
• Manage a major and principal gift portfolio, including individual donors, grant makers and organizations, soliciting gifts and meeting related fundraising goal.
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit donors through targeted appeals, campaigns, and individual meetings, developing donor proposals and related documents.
• Plan, manage, and successfully execute all annual giving programs, signature fundraising events, and special initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Culture, and other administrators, faculty, and staff to identify institutional priorities, fundraising needs, and new opportunities for support.
• Ensure compliance with all College policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal regulations related to fundraising and development activities. Foster a collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth, stakeholder engagement skills, and cross-campus cooperation.
• Complete other assignments as directed by supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis or concentration in business, marketing, public relations or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated success in one or more of the key areas of institutional advancement (annual giving, alumni relations, leadership giving, marketing, or communication)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or other advanced degree
• Prior fundraising experience in higher education solicitations for major gift fundraising
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or similar CRM system to track donor interactions and manage donor data
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential
• Proven track record of securing and managing successful sponsorships or corporate partnerships
• Conversational ability or fluency in a language other than English

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of advancement operations, including fundraising principles, campaign strategy development, and execution with measurable outcomes.
• Proven ability to independently manage, coordinate, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Experience using CRM platforms (preferably Blackbaud Raiser's Edge) and demonstrated proficiency with current technologies.
• Knowledge and experience in strategic planning, program development, implementation, and organizational change, including developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated efficiency and competence in budget planning and financial management.
• Understanding of statewide higher education systems and the mission, philosophy, and shared governance practices of a public, open-access comprehensive community college.
• Ability to travel as required and work evenings and weekends as necessary to support advancement and fundraising activities.
• Technology Skills: MS Office suite; videoconferencing software; digital records management systems; general operating systems and data information systems

For assistance regarding the job ad, application process, or application status, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-354-5183 or HRstaffing@northeaststate.edu.

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Northeast State, you must create an online application. A resume and unofficial transcripts are required; a cover letter is optional. You will also be required to provide the contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references. If you are selected for an interview your references WILL be automatically contacted. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Please note that attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience.