Development Officer, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Villanova University, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Villanova, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)


Posting Number: 20243894S
Position Title: Development Officer, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 604 - University Advancement
Position Summary:
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?

  • Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
  • Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
  • We believe that an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to address issues of equity and justice in a variety of ways including workshops, events and employee resource groups
  • Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .


Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we prepare for Villanova’s next comprehensive capital campaign.
Villanova University is organized in a semi-decentralized model; with College-based development officers supported by central services. The Development Officer will represent Villanova University and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Primary duties include establishing and managing effective relationships with varied donor prospects and existing donors to attract funding for the College’s scientific research and educational initiatives both for the undergraduate and graduate programs.
The Development Officer under the supervision of the Director of Major Giving, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and in conjunction with the Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts will identify and qualify potential donors, and design and implement successful cultivation and solicitation strategies. The Development Officer will solicit prospects and motivate those alumni, faculty, volunteers, and friends who can advance the development function at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Development Officer is expected to conduct 16-18 prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 150-175 prospects with a gift capacity of $10,000 to $99,999. The Development Officer will assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects in conjunction with the Director of Stewardship.
In addition to the incumbent’s role as a Development Officer, this position will assist the Director in enhancing the successful fundraising program in Health Professions Advising within the context of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ overall fundraising efforts. The Development Officer will be responsible for the coordination of all formal stewardship activities for prospects and donors that support the Health Professions Advising Program, housed in the Office for Undergraduate Students. In addition, this role will serve as the liaison to the Physics Department Advisory Council, the Computer Science Department Advisory Council, and the Biotech Bootcamp annual event. The incumbent will also coordinate some administrative activities for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Major Giving Team.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Identify and manage a portfolio of at least 150-175 prospects which includes primarily individuals and some corporations and foundations with specific affiliation and/or giving interest to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
  • Establish and manage effective relationships with portfolio prospects and donors. Plan and implement major gifts strategies using work plans and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors; design and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Conduct 16-18 prospect visits per month and assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects.
  • Establish collaborative and productive relationships with the administration and faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and become knowledgeable regarding the College’s priorities, programs, events, etc. to advance the interests of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and more fully engage alumni, parents and friends.
  • In conjunction with the Director of Major Giving, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences assist in coordinating development activities including but not limited to the Annual Fund and Planned Giving.
  • Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • The incumbent is required to have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the nonprofit sector (or a transferable field) with a minimum of one year as a front-line fundraiser/client services representative preferred.
  • Commitment to higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission required.
  • Understanding of the University culture and the process for decision making and program development required.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills required. Must be well organized and detail oriented.
  • The incumbent must be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment, as well as a disciplined self-starter who is results-oriented.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven successful experience in individual fund raising or related sales/business development experience preferred.
  • Experience in dealing with major gift prospects preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 01/22/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: I
Job Classification: exempt

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