Edtech.com's Summary

Utah State University is hiring a Development Officer III - Swaner EcoCenter. This role manages major gift solicitation and donor engagement to secure philanthropic support of $25,000 and above for the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter. The officer collaborates with university staff and stakeholders to meet fundraising goals and represents the university at events and donor meetings.

Highlights

Solicit major gifts of $25,000 and above from donors, alumni, and supporters.
Build and maintain relationships through donor engagement, stewardship, and strategic communication.
Create multi-year fundraising pipelines and draft proposals aligned with donor interests.
Collaborate with university advancement staff, college development officers, and Swaner Preserve personnel.
Develop and implement philanthropic strategies within the USU Advancement framework.
Participate in university and community boards, committees, and events to enhance fundraising efforts.
Coordinate with executive leadership to establish and pursue strategic fundraising goals.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree with three years' experience or equivalent, proven major gift negotiation skills, and supervisory experience.
Preferred qualifications include advanced degree, higher education fundraising experience, knowledge of conservation fundraising, and proficiency with fundraising software and CRMs.
Position includes travel and requires availability for evening and weekend events; salary is commensurate with experience with excellent benefits.

Development Officer III - Swaner EcoCenter Full Description

Overview:

The Director of Development (Development Officer III) for Utah State University Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is responsible for advancing the university's mission through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts ($25,000 and above). This position will work both independently and in collaboration with Swaner staff and across USU colleges, departments and programs to help achieve specific fundraising goals.

The Director of Development for the USU Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter enhances fundraising, donor relations, strategic partnerships, and revenue-generation initiatives in support of the Center’s mission to preserve the land and the human connection to the natural landscape, educate the local and broader communities about the value of nature, and nurture both the ecosystem and the people connected with it. This position is responsible for cultivating major donors, securing philanthropic support, and partnering across the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter and USU to achieve ambitious funding goals. This position may require travel, including overnight trips. This position also requires event attendance that may occur during nights and weekends.

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director of Statewide & Extension Development. Statewide & Extension Development is part of the USU Advancement Central Development unit.

Responsibilities:

Major Gift Solicitation

Successfully solicit major gifts ($25,000 and above) from Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter members and supporters, and university alumni and friends.
Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount and purpose.
Develop a multi-year pipeline of support.
Draft fundraising proposals that align with donors’ philanthropic interests.

Donor Engagement and Prospect Management

Build relationships and engage with constituents through individual outreach and communication efforts.
Utilize university events to connect with Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter members and supporters, and alumni and friends of the university.
Cultivate and steward donors while expressing appreciation and communicating impact.
Manage prospects and donors through deliberate actions to enhance their engagement with USU and strengthen their desire to support the mission and vision of the university and its programs, and in particular the mission and vision of USU’s Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter and its programs.

Philanthropic Strategies

A strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods and strategies is required to have meaningful gift conversations with constituents.
Ability to work within and communicate the philanthropic gift framework established by USU Advancement.
Knowledge of USU philanthropic impact areas, funds, programs and campaigns to best connect donors with causes that are meaningful to them.

Communication and Collaboration

Communicate effectively and collaborate with university advancement staff, Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter staff, collegiate development officers, program and department heads and university administration.
Effectively communicate fundraising initiatives, opportunities and strategies with university supporters.

Strategic Planning

Work closely with the Executive Director of Extension and Statewide Enterprise, the Executive Director of the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, and university program leaders to establish strategic fundraising initiatives and goals.
Collaborate with Executive Director of Extension and Statewide Enterprise, Development Officer Analysts, and the Executive Director of the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter to determine strategic outreach and donor development actions.
Seek out and fulfill opportunities to meet with and participate on volunteer boards, committees and councils made up of university and community stakeholders and USU administration.

University Representation

Must represent the university, and in particular the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, during meetings, donor visits and events while communicating the university’s and Swaner’s mission, vision and impact.
While in a working capacity, it is vital to always represent the university in a first-class manner and avoid engaging in any actions that could reflect negatively on the university.

Goal Achievement

Meet and exceed annual metrics including, but not limited to, number of visits, solicitations, gifts received and gift amount totals.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus three years of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to have complex gift conversations and a track record of closing gifts or negotiating contracts.
Demonstrated experience building successful, productive, and collaborative relationships with top university administrators, deans, and/or board members.
Demonstrated experience staffing dean’s councils, advisory boards, and/or committees.
Supervisory and coaching experience of professional staff.
Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.

Preferred Qualifications

An advanced academic degree.
Successful major gift fundraising experience.
Knowledge & experience with the fundraising landscape in Park City & Summit County, Utah.
Experience working in higher education.
Familiarity and literacy with regard to nature centers or other organizations focused on conservation, environmental education, and the relationship between humans and nature.
Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software and CRM systems.
Experience designing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
Record of success in establishing positive relationships with donors, alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical, research and management skills.
Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.
Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with donors, volunteers, and staff members from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to position the Vice President for Advancement, the Executive Director of Extension & Statewide Enterprise, and the Executive Director of the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter to maximize their potential as fundraisers for the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter.
Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (partners, program participants, visitors, students, alumni, faculty, staff) from diverse backgrounds.

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. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
3. Contact Information for Professional References to be typed at the beginning 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, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

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 12/2025
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 PinnerExecutive Director Civil Rights & Title IX Officematthew.pinner@usu.edu435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 | Cody CarmichaelTitle IX Coordinator cody.carmichael@usu.edu435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D1475 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

Original Job Description

Overview:

Major Gift Solicitation

Successfully solicit major gifts ($25,000 and above) from Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter members and supporters, and university alumni and friends.
Strategically manage solicitation timing, amount and purpose.
Develop a multi-year pipeline of support.
Draft fundraising proposals that align with donors’ philanthropic interests.

Donor Engagement and Prospect Management

Build relationships and engage with constituents through individual outreach and communication efforts.
Utilize university events to connect with Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter members and supporters, and alumni and friends of the university.
Cultivate and steward donors while expressing appreciation and communicating impact.
Manage prospects and donors through deliberate actions to enhance their engagement with USU and strengthen their desire to support the mission and vision of the university and its programs, and in particular the mission and vision of USU’s Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter and its programs.

Philanthropic Strategies

A strong understanding of philanthropic giving methods and strategies is required to have meaningful gift conversations with constituents.
Ability to work within and communicate the philanthropic gift framework established by USU Advancement.
Knowledge of USU philanthropic impact areas, funds, programs and campaigns to best connect donors with causes that are meaningful to them.

Communication and Collaboration

Communicate effectively and collaborate with university advancement staff, Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter staff, collegiate development officers, program and department heads and university administration.
Effectively communicate fundraising initiatives, opportunities and strategies with university supporters.

Strategic Planning

Work closely with the Executive Director of Extension and Statewide Enterprise, the Executive Director of the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, and university program leaders to establish strategic fundraising initiatives and goals.
Collaborate with Executive Director of Extension and Statewide Enterprise, Development Officer Analysts, and the Executive Director of the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter to determine strategic outreach and donor development actions.
Seek out and fulfill opportunities to meet with and participate on volunteer boards, committees and councils made up of university and community stakeholders and USU administration.

University Representation

Must represent the university, and in particular the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, during meetings, donor visits and events while communicating the university’s and Swaner’s mission, vision and impact.
While in a working capacity, it is vital to always represent the university in a first-class manner and avoid engaging in any actions that could reflect negatively on the university.

Goal Achievement

Meet and exceed annual metrics including, but not limited to, number of visits, solicitations, gifts received and gift amount totals.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus three years of experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to have complex gift conversations and a track record of closing gifts or negotiating contracts.
Demonstrated experience building successful, productive, and collaborative relationships with top university administrators, deans, and/or board members.
Demonstrated experience staffing dean’s councils, advisory boards, and/or committees.
Supervisory and coaching experience of professional staff.
Willingness and ability to travel; evening and weekend work is required.

Preferred Qualifications

An advanced academic degree.
Successful major gift fundraising experience.
Knowledge & experience with the fundraising landscape in Park City & Summit County, Utah.
Experience working in higher education.
Familiarity and literacy with regard to nature centers or other organizations focused on conservation, environmental education, and the relationship between humans and nature.
Knowledge and experience in using fundraising software and CRM systems.
Experience designing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
Record of success in establishing positive relationships with donors, alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as analytical, research and management skills.
Knowledge of and commitment to the use of information technology to support advancement programs.
Strong interpersonal skills, particularly with donors, volunteers, and staff members from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to position the Vice President for Advancement, the Executive Director of Extension & Statewide Enterprise, and the Executive Director of the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter to maximize their potential as fundraisers for the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter.
Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (partners, program participants, visitors, students, alumni, faculty, staff) from diverse backgrounds.

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Development Officer III - Swaner EcoCenter

Edtech.com's Summary

Development Officer III - Swaner EcoCenter Full Description

Senior Director, Development

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