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College Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knox College

Development Officer

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$25K/yr

Purpose The Development Officer is responsible for developing and sustaining donor relationships on ... About Knox College Advancement Knox College's Advancement division supports the College's mission ...

Knox College

Assoc. Development Officer

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$1.5K - $25K/yr

Knox College's Advancement division supports the College's mission through major and principal ... The Associate Development Officer will have the following responsibilities: * Manage a dynamic ...

University of Findlay

Development Officer

Campus, IL · On-site

$25K/yr

The Development Officer will build and manage relationships connecting those with financial ... and with college deans to establish groups of alumni, parents and friends within their assigned ...

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

$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

$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 ...

Special Kids, Inc.

Development Officer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

The Development Officer is responsible for oversight, proactive planning, and successful execution ... Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in Business ...

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College Development Officer information

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$39K

$74.4K

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How much do college development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 is a college development officer?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a college development officer?

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 challenges do college development officers face 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.

How much do college development officers make?

College development officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals or those in senior roles earning over $100,000. Salaries can vary based on the institution, geographic location, and level of experience, and the role often requires strong communication and fundraising skills.

What does a college development officer do?

A college development officer is responsible for building relationships with donors, securing funding, and managing fundraising campaigns to support the institution's goals. They often organize events, write grant proposals, and maintain records using donor management software. Strong communication and networking skills are essential for success in this role.
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College Development Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Development Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Development Officer

Knox College

Galesburg, IL • On-site

$25K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

 

Purpose

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


Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, the Development Officer promotes dynamic growth in philanthropic giving to Knox. The Officer develops and implements strategies to secure philanthropic gifts over $25,000, build sustainable leadership gifts, and cultivate a culture of philanthropy. Through personalized relationship management, with a portfolio of 125+, the Officer grows the revenue potential annually—working in close collaboration with the Advancement team, College leadership, and other stakeholders. The Officer will play a vital role in all comprehensive fundraising campaigns.


This is an ideal role for an experienced fundraiser, salesperson, or relationship manager ready to take ownership of a major gift portfolio at a small, mission-driven liberal arts college.


About Knox College Advancement

Knox College's Advancement division supports the College's mission through major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni and parent engagement, advancement operations, and grants. The team is currently focused on the Venture Boldly Campaign, strengthening connections with constituents, securing significant unrestricted support through the Knox Fund, and building a disciplined, high-performing major gifts program.


Key Responsibilities

The Development Officer will will have the following responsibilities:


  • Qualify and cultivate donor prospects, solicit and close capital, planned, and annual gifts of $25,000 and up.
  • Complete a combination of 250 cultivation/solicitation steps per year (including 125 in-person visits) with donors and donor prospects.
  • Manage a portfolio of 120-140 major gift prospects by maintaining regular contact with assigned donors, donor prospects, and leadership volunteers. (Requires occasional weekend and evening work, including Knox's Homecoming each fall and traveling up to 50% annually).
  • Identify ways to increase involvement of donors and donor prospects in the activities of the College, and provide appropriate stewardship for donors.
  • Carefully review files prior to donor visits and write and file timely and thorough reports, including acknowledgments, contact reports and individual gift proposals.
  • Participate with Advancement colleagues and others in regular planning meetings that facilitate initiating, developing, and implementing donor relationships, appropriate events, communications, activities, and campaigns.
  • Develop, over time, thorough knowledge of planned giving vehicles such as life income gifts and estate provisions.
  • Provide high-level support to College leadership, including preparing for and facilitating donor connections and solicitations in service of the College's mission and fundraising priorities.
  • Work with volunteers or key stakeholders on communication and event coordination.
  • Assist with Advancement and College events and logistics as needed.
  • Assist Advancement with special projects and/or new initiatives as needed.


Required:

  • Baccalaureate degree and 3+ years of full-time professional experience.
  • Genuine intellectual curiosity and an appreciation for mission-driven work; prior experience in higher education or with a liberal arts institution is a plus.
  • Demonstrate the ability to directly solicit significant financial-related gifts and be persistent in following up with donor prospects.
  • Ability to make independent decisions, manage relationships, coordination of fundraising projects, work productively with colleagues and independent-minded volunteers, and inspire confidence among associates. 
  • Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, as well as organizational and collaboration skills.
  • Candidate must have the highest ethical standards and have the discretion and ability to maintain confidences and confidential material.
  • Valid driver's license.


 Preferred:

  • Experience in fundraising, capital campaigns, non-profit settings, relationship management, or higher education.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.


Summary Pay Range: Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that pay is only one component of total compensation.

Benefits:

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

FSA/ HSA/ FSA Dependent Care 

Employer Paid Basic Life & LTD

Voluntary Life

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Parental Leave 

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from discriminating on the basis of sex. 

The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-Discrimination is the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance. Any inquiries regarding policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, including Title IX sexual harassment, as well as the policy prohibiting hazing, should be directed to the Director of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance identified below. Staff in the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance are available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s policies and procedures.

Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu

Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights for additional information.

Office for Civil Rights

 U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office
 500 W Madison St., Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
Phone: 312-730-1560
Email: ocr@ed.gov

Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to the ADA/504 Coordinator identified below:

Knox College ADA/504 Coordinator
Jennie Hemingway, PhD
Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209
337 South Cherry Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7751
Email: jhemingway@knox.edu

Employees requesting accommodations may contact:

Human Resources
52 W South St., Alumni Hall, Suite 100 | Campus Box K-200
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-341-7162 or 309-341-7543
Email: hr@knox.edu

Students requesting accommodations may contact:

Director of Disability Support Services

Patricia Harden
Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183
340 South West Street
Phone: 309-341-7478
Email: pharden@knox.edu

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in certain aspects of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a human.

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