ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

College Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PensacolaChristian

Development Officer

Arbutus, MD · On-site

Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service Development Officer The Development Officer will serve the long-term needs of Pensacola Christian College by building relationships and planned (legacy ...

Carleton University

Development Officer

Northfield, MN · On-site

$100K/yr

The Development Officer is responsible for developing and sustaining donor relationships on behalf of Carleton by communicating the College's needs and priorities to individual alumni, parents, and ...

Carleton

Development Officer

Northfield, MN · On-site

$100K/yr

The Development Officer is responsible for developing and sustaining donor relationships on behalf of Carleton by communicating the College's needs and priorities to individual alumni, parents, and ...

Cornell College

Development Officer

Mount Vernon, IA · Hybrid

$60/hr

... officer for the development team. This position oversees a portfolio of 150-200 major gift ... About Cornell College Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our ...

Apply Early

Cornell College

Development Officer

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$60/hr

... officer for the development team. This position oversees a portfolio of 150-200 major gift ... About Cornell College Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our ...

Cornell College

Development Officer

Mount Vernon, IA · Hybrid

$60/hr

... officer for the development team. This position oversees a portfolio of 150-200 major gift ... About Cornell College Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCollege Development Officer Jobs

College Development Officer information

See salary details

$39K

$74.4K

$119K

How much do college development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for college development officer in the United States is $74,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a College Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Development Officer, you typically need experience in fundraising, donor relations, and project management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is highly valuable. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking help build lasting relationships with alumni and donors. These capabilities are essential for securing financial support and advancing the institution’s mission and goals.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of higher education, senior development officers or vice presidents of development at large universities can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $400,000 annually, especially with experience, performance bonuses, and additional benefits. These roles typically require strong fundraising skills, strategic planning, and extensive experience in nonprofit or educational administration.

What are some typical challenges faced by a College Development Officer, and how can they be addressed?

A College Development Officer often faces challenges such as engaging alumni who have not been active in college affairs, securing consistent donor support, and balancing multiple fundraising campaigns simultaneously. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves building strong relationships through regular communication, leveraging social media and events to foster engagement, and working closely with faculty and administration to align fundraising goals with institutional priorities. Proactive planning, collaboration, and creative outreach strategies are key to success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between College Development Officer vs College Fundraiser?

AspectCollege Development OfficerCollege Fundraiser
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often experience in development or educationBachelor’s degree; experience in fundraising or sales beneficial
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, development officesNonprofits, educational institutions, fundraising events
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, higher educationCharities, educational institutions, non-profit sectors
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on broader development strategiesPrimarily on fundraising activities and donor relations

The College Development Officer typically handles comprehensive development efforts, including alumni relations, grant writing, and strategic planning. In contrast, a College Fundraiser mainly focuses on soliciting donations and managing donor relationships. While both roles require similar credentials and work in educational settings, the Development Officer's scope is broader, encompassing overall institutional growth, whereas the Fundraiser concentrates on raising funds specifically.

What does a development officer do at a college?

A college development officer is responsible for building relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners to secure funding and support for the institution. They plan fundraising campaigns, organize events, and manage donor databases, often using tools like CRM software, to meet financial goals and support college initiatives.

What are College Development Officers?

College Development Officers are professionals responsible for supporting the growth and advancement of a college, primarily by securing financial resources and building relationships with alumni, donors, and the community. They organize fundraising campaigns, coordinate events, and communicate the college's goals and needs to potential supporters. Their work is essential in ensuring the college has the resources necessary to fund scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and academic programs.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

A College Development Officer typically earns a salary that varies based on experience and organization size, but reaching $10,000 a month without a degree is uncommon. High-paying roles without a degree often include sales, real estate, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades like commercial diving or certain tech certifications, which rely more on skills and experience than formal education.

How much do college development officers make?

College development officers typically earn a median salary of around $60,000 to $80,000 annually, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning over $100,000. Compensation varies based on experience, education, geographic location, and the size of the institution, and often includes performance-based bonuses and benefits.
More about College Development Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for College Development Officer jobs? Cities with the most College Development Officer job openings:
What job categories do people searching College Development Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for College Development Officer jobs are:
College Development Officer jobs near you
Development Officer

Development Officer

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Southern Mississippi rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

539th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Development Officer
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Development Officer.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
Development Office
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Pay Grade
E10
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to ApplicantsPlease submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three (3) references when applying for this position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Development Officer develops charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation.This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals, by working with guidance from supervisors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
  2. Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
  3. Manages a portfolio of prospective donors with input and assistance from the Chief Development Officer. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
  4. Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
  5. Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
  6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor'sdegree from an accredited college or university withat least one year of development or similar experience at a university or othercomparable fundraising organization, or equivalent professional experience inoutside sales. Must have a valid MS driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesEmployees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.
  • Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Honest and cooperative
  • Professional and respectful
  • Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one's own time
  • Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
  • Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
  • Good attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with everyone
  • Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, and garner the confidence of stakeholders
  • Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
  • Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
  • Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
  • Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
  • Seeks opportunities for professional development
  • Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
  • Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion

Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree from an accredited college or university.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

Apply