Role: Development Officer
Reports to: Advancement Director
Category: Full-Time/Exempt
Location: Onsite
Role Summary
The Development Officer is a key member of the Advancement team and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making transformational philanthropic gifts. This position will build strong, mission-centered relationships with current and prospective donors, inspiring them to invest in the strategic priorities of the organization.
Essential Functions
Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management
● Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift prospects and donors.
● Develop and implement personalized cultivation (engagement, solicitation, and stewardship) strategies for each donor.
● Collaborate with the Executive Director and Advancement Director on donor identification, engagement, stewardship, & solicitation strategies.
● Conduct regular donor visits, calls, and personal touchpoints to build long-term engagement.
● Prepare personalized proposals, impact reports, and donor correspondence.
● Steward donors with creative and meaningful follow-up to ensure ongoing connection to mission and impact.
● Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and moves management activity.
● Attend organization events and represent the institution in the broader community.
● Have a regular presence at morning carpool to build relationships with current families.
Strategic Collaboration
● Work closely with Advancement team members to support Annual Fund, Annual Gala, capital campaigns, special projects, and planned giving efforts.
● Facilitate the expansion of sponsorship opportunities for various events and programs.
● Assist with nurturing relationships with corporations and foundations.
● Partner with faculty, administrators, and volunteers to identify funding priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
● Assist in planning and attending fundraising and stewardship events.
● Participate in prospect research and donor pipeline development.
● Participate in monthly metrics reporting.
Planned Giving Programming
● Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive planned giving program that aligns with the school’s long-term fundraising goals.
● Identify, qualify, cultivate, and steward prospects for bequests, estate planning, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other planned giving vehicles.
● Provide donors and prospects with clear, accurate information about planned giving opportunities, working in partnership with legal and financial advisors when appropriate.
● Collaborate with Advancement Director on planned giving marketing materials, including website content, brochures, and donor stories that highlight the impact of legacy gifts.
● Collaborate with the Advancement team to integrate planned giving terminology into donor communications and engagement plans.
● Maintain detailed documentation of planned giving conversations and commitments in the donor database, ensuring accurate reporting and forecasting.
Qualifications
● A demonstrated understanding of the major gifts development model.
● Commitment to 1:1 donor engagement as the prioritized daily activity, resulting in 2-3 intentional donor visits per week.
● Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
● Minimum of 5 years of relationship-building experience with individual donors, ideally in independent schools.
● Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts ($2,500+)
● Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
● Ability to manage multiple priorities, take initiative, and work both independently and collaboratively.
● Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
● Passion for the mission and values of the school and an ability to articulate them compellingly.
Personal Attributes
● Warm and genuine relationship-builder
● Strategic listener and thoughtful communicator
● Results-driven and goal-oriented
● Organized, proactive, and attentive to detail
● Values collaboration, inclusivity, and community engagement
Compensation and Benefits
A competitive salary is offered based on experience. A comprehensive benefits package is available.
To apply or inquire, email recruiter@brightstreetsolutions.com
Bright Street Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination.