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College Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

With the support of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), Harvard scholars tackle scientific ... The Development Officer will: * Secure funding for research projects, and public engagement ...

MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff ... Additionally, the Development Officer serves as a collaborative partner across campuses, supporting ...

With the support of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), Harvard scholars tackle scientific ... The Development Officer will: * Secure funding for research projects, and public engagement ...

Development Officer

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$65K - $71K/yr

The Development Officer will increase philanthropic support for South Dakota Mines by identifying ... Previous development work in a college, University, or non-profit preferred. Requirements * Sound ...

Showing results 21-40

College Development Officer information

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$39K

$74.4K

$119K

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.
More about College Development Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for College Development Officer jobs?

Cities with the most College Development Officer job openings:

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.

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description

The Development Officer is responsible for oversight, proactive planning, and successful execution of a comprehensive fundraising and development plan to position Special Kids for future success, growth, and sustainability in coordination with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. The Development Officer performs a key role in ensuring the organization fulfills its mission, a value-based organization culture, promotes a culture of giving and accomplishment of its financial goals. The Development Officer oversees the development of support materials in the areas of marketing, communications, and public relations staff, and coordinates strategic and tactical functions with other areas of the organization.


Full-time, 32 hours per week (M-Th), benefits, holidays and paid time off.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  

  • Lead evaluation of Key Performance Indicators and fundraising trends, resulting in informed data driven, and investor centric strategies.
  • Collaborate with the team in the creation, implementation, review and revision of the annual development and fundraising plan.
  • Ensure attainment of department financial results by monitoring forecasted revenue and budget.
  • Design strategies and tactics for growth, increased revenue and investor longevity and retention.
  • Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.


Development and Philanthropic Communications: Develop a development focused communications strategy integrating growing the awareness of Special Kids, the impact of support and role in the communities we serve. Coordinate with marketing in the implementation of these communications through social media, e-news blasts, direct mail, and other avenues.

  • Manage donor communications for high level strategic fundraising opportunities for major gifts, endowment and legacy giving.
  • Create approaches consistent with the investor stewardship plan and aligned with communication strategies to communicate with all levels of donors, sponsors, vendors, in-kind donors, and volunteers.
  • Encourage consistent follow up and asking donors, sponsors, and volunteers to contribute more than one time annually and convert donors to monthly donors.
  • Consistently communicate fundraising goals to the team and empower team members to participate in attainment of those goals.


Annual Planning: Coordinates and implements the annual grant and funders application and reporting plans with leadership staff for funding support of Special Kids programs and services.

  • Identifies and researches potential corporate and foundation sources of funding that meet the funder priorities and the needs of Special Kids.
  • Develops annual requests with Special Kids organization wide to determine funding needs on an annual basis and quarterly basis or as needed.
  • Collaboratively, writes, edits, proofreads, and obtains organization approval for grant and funding applications prior to submittal.


Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Education and/or Experience                                                                                                                                                                   

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in Business, Marketing, Mass Communication, or other related field and 3-5 years related experience and/or training in not-for-profit fundraising. A minimum of 2 years leadership experience required and experience within a not-for-profit setting preferred. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferred.


Computer Skills To be successful in this job, an individual should have basic computer skills, including strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, with the ability to learn new software and web-based applications.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations                                                                                                                                               

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferred. CPR certification recommended.


Additional Qualifications

  • Compassion 
  • Willingness
  • Courage 
  • Faith