Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: N6004 / Development Officer
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 15
HR Review/Approval:RVIEW

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Supports the strategic fundraising efforts of a large University operating unit by designing, implementing, evaluating and refining the unit's development activities, with an emphasis on major gifts exceeding $25,000. Personally identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift donors and prospects in accordance with performance targets set in collaboration with the UNM Foundation. Fosters collaborative relationships with development colleagues and University constituents by coordinating joint solicitation efforts, developing internal processes and procedures, and aligning marketing and outreach efforts for multiple development programs and initiatives within the unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift donors and prospects including individuals, corporations, and/or foundations, through visits and other forms of direct personal contact in accordance with performance targets set in collaboration with the UNM Foundation.
  2. Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with the UNM Foundation, development colleagues, and appropriate board members and/or other constituents to maximize the unit's total gift revenue, plan solicitation strategies, and leverage joint solicitation efforts.
  3. Assists and/or leads in short- and long-range strategic planning activities to create and implement fund-raising goals and objectives.
  4. Coordinates day-to-day unit-based development strategies and activities to ensure their integration into the University's overall development program.
  5. Makes effective use of the University's prospect management database and other institutional resources to ensure appropriate management of donors, prospects, alumni, and volunteers in coordination with University objectives.
  6. Conducts research to identify prospects, with an emphasis on major gifts exceeding $25,000, and creates strategies to match prospects' interests to the priorities of the unit and the University.
  7. Researches, writes, edits, and/or oversees the preparation of persuasive, accurate, and grammatically and syntactically correct solicitations, proposals, case statements, reports, correspondence, and other development-related communication materials in support of the unit's fund-raising activities.
  8. Plans and conducts programs and activities designed to increase the visibility of the unit and the University to internal and external constituencies.
  9. May train and supervise staff and student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of documented professional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources.
  • Demonstrated ability in planning and implementing long- and short-range development initiatives in conjunction with strategic planning processes.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles.
  • Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.
  • Database management skills.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives.
  • Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment.
  • Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
  • Program planning and leadership skills.
  • Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) development, coordination and implementation of strategies targeted at high-level donor base with prospects typically exceeding $25,000; b) facilitation of collaborative relationships with various constituents to enhance the unit's fundraising efforts; c) facilitation and/or oversight of day-to-day activities of a development office; d) direct identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects; e) supervision of volunteers and/or lower-level staff in the execution of development activities.

Conditions of Employment

  • If this position is assigned to the Athletics Department, either administratively or functionally, compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Willingness and availability to travel extensively and to work extended hours as necessary.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/01/2020