Research And Development Director Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The College of Engineering (CoE) at Utah State University is entering an exciting era of growth and innovation. With the continued expansion of Computer Science and plans to establish new programs in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing, the college is significantly increasing its academic reach and impact. Corporate partners, alumni, and industry leaders are stepping forward to support these priorities, creating opportunities for transformational philanthropy.
The Senior Director of Development (Development Officer SR) is a key member of the College of Engineering advancement team, responsible for advancing the college's mission through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gifts ($25,000 and above), with an emphasis on securing leadership and transformational commitments. This position works in close partnership with the Executive Director of Development, the Dean, department heads, faculty, and key stakeholders to align philanthropic support with the college's strategic priorities and growth initiatives.
This position operates as part of a small, collaborative development team within the College of Engineering, contributing to overall fundraising strategy and execution while maintaining a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and corporate partners. The Senior Director plays a significant role in strengthening donor and industry relationships, supporting college priorities, and advancing a culture of philanthropy across the college.
This position requires extensive travel, including overnight trips, and occasional event attendance during evenings and weekends.
Responsibilities
Major Gift Solicitation

• Successfully solicit major and principal gifts ($25,000 and above) from alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the College of Engineering, with a focus on securing leadership-level and transformational commitments.
• Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount, and purpose in alignment with college priorities, including support for emerging programs such as Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
• Develop and manage a multi-year pipeline of high-capacity individual and corporate prospects.
• Lead the development of compelling proposals that align donor interests with college priorities, including research, student success, faculty support, and innovation initiatives.

Team Collaboration and Contribution

• Contribute to a high-performing, collaborative development team within the College of Engineering.
• Partner with the Executive Director of Development and colleagues to support team goals, strategy development, and overall fundraising success.
• Participate in joint donor visits and collaborative strategy discussions to enhance team effectiveness.
• Support a positive, accountable, and donor-focused team culture.

Donor Engagement and Prospect Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners through strategic outreach and engagement.
• Engage industry partners in supporting research, workforce development, and innovation aligned with the college's growth.
• Cultivate and steward donors through meaningful communication that demonstrates impact and strengthens long-term engagement.
• Manage prospects through deliberate strategies to enhance engagement and increase philanthropic investment in the College of Engineering.

Philanthropic Strategies

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods, including complex and blended gifts, to support meaningful donor conversations.
• Align fundraising strategies with college priorities and broader campaign initiatives.
• Maintain deep knowledge of college priorities, funding opportunities, and emerging initiatives to effectively connect donors with areas of impact.

Communication and Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director of Development, Dean, faculty, department heads, and colleagues to identify and advance funding opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding fundraising opportunities and impact.

University Representation

• Represent the College of Engineering in donor meetings, corporate engagements, and public events with professionalism and credibility.
• Support advisory boards, councils, and industry partners connected to the college.
• Uphold and promote the university's mission, vision, and impact in all interactions.

Goal Achievement

• Meet and exceed annual metrics including major and principal gift revenue, donor visits, solicitations, and pipeline development.
• Contribute to overall team success and collective fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus five years of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to lead complex gift conversations and close significant philanthropic or corporate investments.
• Demonstrated track record of securing major gifts.
• Experience working effectively with senior administrators, deans, faculty, and advisory boards.
• Demonstrated experience staffing advisory councils, campaign committees, or similar groups.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, along with analytical and organizational abilities.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems and data-informed fundraising strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders including corporate partners.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced academic degree.
• 10 years of progressive fundraising experience or comparable experience.
• Experience working in higher education or engineering-related fields.
• Experience designing and executing comprehensive or capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated success securing leadership or principal-level gifts, including corporate partnerships

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2. Names and contact information for three professional references to be provided at the beginning of your application in the candidate profile.
3. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department Highlights
The Division of Advancement is a welcoming office where teamwork and inclusiveness are highly valued. Advancement staff are engaged in the meaningful work of securing private financial resources to fuel Utah State University's mission by creating gratifying gift and engagement experiences for USU's generous and passionate alumni and friends. Comprising the division are the office of the Vice President, the USU Foundation & Board, Advancement Services, the Alumni Association (Alumni Engagement), Gift Planning, Corporations and Foundations, Strategic Communications, Stewardship, the Annual Fund and ACE (Alumni Center for Engagement). Furthermore, the division coordinates all fundraising efforts across campus, including colleges, various programs, extension campuses, and USU Athletics. Through the collaboration of these units, the Division of Advancement is able to achieve significant annual fundraising goals by inspiring stakeholders to invest their time and resources in Utah State University.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 07/2026
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 10/2025