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College Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Hialeah, FL

Chief Development Officer

Hall, NY

$50K - $300K/yr

The Chief Development Officer shall be the administrative head of the Community Development ... A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, college or university with a degree in Business ...

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College Development Officer information

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$39K

$74.4K

$119K

How much do college development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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 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 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.
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
Infographic showing various College Development Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Development Officer

Development Officer

Kansas State University Foundation

Manhattan, KS • On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Compensation: $75,000-82,000 annually
Regular, Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)
Our Promise to You
  • Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
  • Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer
  • Tuition and certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
  • A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
  • Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world
  • View more benefits on our website or click here !

Are you a skilled sales professional, account manager, or relationship builder looking to channel your talents into something truly meaningful? At the Kansas State University Foundation, we unite purpose-driven work and pioneering strategy to create careers that matter. Put your people skills and drive to work in major gift fundraising, where you help advance business education, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership development that prepare the next generation of K-State graduates to thrive in a dynamic global economy.
Why Make the Move?
If you thrive in sales, account management, or similar roles, your strengths directly translate to success in major gift fundraising. Here, you'll leverage those essential client management skills-prospecting, relationship building, presenting proposals, and exceeding goals-to inspire and connect a network of passionate K-State alumni and donors for the College of Business Administration, who are invested in shaping future business leaders, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding opportunities for students through innovation and experiential learning.
What You'll Do
  • Proactively reach out to potential donors through calls and visits, qualifying prospects and cultivating relationships-just like in sales, but with a focus on legacy, not transactions.
  • Strategically present and solicit major gifts ($50,000+) through effective major gift fundraising proposals.
  • Manage multiple robust client (donor) relationships and regularly travel to meet face-to-face.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop strategies for meaningful major gift fundraising.
  • Keep all activity documented and outcomes measurable, recognizing and stewarding donors at every stage.

Requirements
What We Value
Bring your success from sales, account management, or client service into an organization where your abilities will shine in major gift fundraising:
  • 2+ years of full-time experience in metrics-driven roles, requiring measurable output and a track record of building relationships
  • Experience conducting face-to-face meetings, presenting materials, and closing deals-in this case, fostering impactful major gift fundraising partnerships
  • Excellent communication, persuasive presentation, and active listening skills
  • Drive to meet metrics, self-motivation, and the willingness to work as part of an inspiring and collaborative team

Travel
Regular travel (by plane and car) is necessary to achieve an average of 12-15 in person meetings per month. Those who thrive in our organization embrace the demands of frequent travel. Be prepared for numerous hotel stays (you keep the points!), air travel, and substantial time on the road. Favorite podcast anyone?
Ready for a Career Move with Purpose?
If you're passionate about building relationships and hitting targets, imagine what you could achieve in major gift fundraising. Transform your sales or account management skills into a rewarding career that changes lives at K-State and beyond.
Join us-apply your talents and ambition to a higher-purpose team that thrives on innovation, impact, and excellence in major gift fundraising.
Salary Description
$75,000-$82,000 annually

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