Project Development Director Jobs in Columbus, GA

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

University Advancement

The Development Officer will report to the Chief Advancement Officer and will be primarily responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding mid-level and principal gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Retaining current donors is a crucial aspect of the Development Officer's role, as it helps ensure ongoing support for the University. This role involves developing and executing strategic fundraising plans, managing donor relationships, coordinating appeals campaigns, and contributing to the overall success of Advancement efforts. The Development Officer will collaborate with various stakeholders, alumni relations, and other university departments, to align fundraising activities with the academic priorities and goals of the University as defined by the Columbus State University President.

This position will primarily be responsible for raising private philanthropic support for CSU Athletic Programs.

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Cultivate prospects and present proposals for leadership level gifts ($25,000+) and maintain positive relationships with donors and prospects.; Identify and implement strategies to engage and retain the top donors for current initiatives.; Maintain knowledge of best practices in development and show evidence of implementation and incorporation of these practices in activities, calls and initiatives.; Collaboratively participate as a member of the University Advancement team on development and stewardship initiatives.; Fundraising Strategy: Collaborate with University Advancement leadership to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with the University goals and priorities.; Prospect Identification: Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, to support the initiatives, programs, and scholarships.; Donor Relations and Retention: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors, alumni, and friends of the college. Foster a sense of community and engagement.

Collaborating with University Advancement leadership, develop and implement annual and long-range strategic plans for level gifts of $25,000+.; Provide regular updates on fundraising progress and collaborate on strategic decision-making to University Advancement leadership.; In the fundraising software, document and share all development and stewardship work related to identifying, evaluating, cultivating, and soliciting donors.; Stewardship: Collaborating closely with University Advancement leadership, recognize and appreciate donors, ensuring continued support and involvement.; Budget Management: Work within budgetary constraints to maximize fundraising efforts and contribute to the financial health of the University.; Other: Collaborate with University Advancement leadership on strategic projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Previous experience of at least five years in development, fundraising, or a related role is preferred but not required.; Effective communication and relationship-building skills.; Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.; Familiarity with fundraising software and donor databases.; Understanding of academic priorities and the capacity to articulate them to potential donors.; Ability to travel as needed.; Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: An initiative-taker, comfortable working independently, but consistently contributes to the team.; Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.; Maintain consistent and positive communication with the Dean and University Advancement staff.; Facilitate strong communications with alumni.; Excellent communication skills to include effective and persuasive writing, public speaking, and people skills.; Professional demeanor.; Careful attention to detail.

If you have any questions, please contact Karen McCauley, Hiring Manager, via email at mccauey_karen@columbusstate.edu.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line athttps://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

• Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
• Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
• Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
• Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
• Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
• Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
• Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
  

*Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.

This is not a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.

• Position of Trust + Education & Credit

Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.