Development Officer - College of Agriculture

Overview

Auburn Advancement is excited to begin the search for a Development Officer to join our philanthropy team! This position is vital in building lasting relationships and securing the resources needed to support Auburn Advancement and Auburn University's philanthropic mission.

What You'll Do:

• Identify and Cultivate Prospects: Discover and build relationships with potential major giving prospects through research, initial contact ratings, peer reviews, and other resources. Understand the passions and interests of prospects to align their philanthropic goals with Auburn's mission.
• Solicit and Secure Gifts: Engage with prospects to solicit major gifts through person-to-person visits, group presentations, and phone calls. Present compelling cases for support, highlighting the transformative power of their contributions.
• Stewardship and Engagement: Show gratitude for donations through personalized acknowledgements, and keep donors informed and involved by attending events and maintaining regular contact. Ensure donors feel valued and connected to the impact of their gifts.
• Champion Philanthropy: Impact a culture of giving for Auburn University, encouraging alumni and stakeholders to support the university's mission and vision. Foster a sense of pride and ownership among donors, showcasing the transformative impact their gifts have on Auburn's future.

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Impactful Work: Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Auburn University and its priorities.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference.
• Purpose Driven Work: Align your passion and fulfillment to your work, where you're trusted to reach your full potential and achieve your pinnacle career experience.
• Culture by Design: Thrive in a culture that champions respect, accountability, and professional development.

Now is the perfect time to join Auburn Advancement, a dynamic team encompassing Operations and Strategy, Culture and Talent, Engagement, Philanthropy, and Communications. Under the visionary leadership of Senior Vice President Rob Wellbaum - a seasoned and respected advancement professional - our organization is set to revolutionize the future of Advancement.

The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours, and is therefore expected to operate with high-levels of autonomy

Responsibilities

• Identifies potential prospects for cultivations through research, initial contact ratings, peer reviews and other relevant resources.
• Solicits gifts and/or club memberships through person-to-person visits, group presentations, and/or phone contacts.
• Provides stewardship to include acknowledging and showing gratitude for donating/joining clubs either by letter, phone call, and/or participating in/attending events and function for donors.
• Updates and informs supervisors and other staff of goal status, new plans and project proposals, and ensures that a cooperative team effort is made to meet goals and objectives.
• Prepares budget with input provided by Director, reviews and approves financial records, vouchers and acquisitions.
• Develops reports, records, and programs and analyzes information necessary to plan and complete projects and assignments.
• May develop campaigns and/or presentation proposals related to funding priorities in order to keep top prospects informed, interested, involved and to meet development goals and objectives.
• The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours, and is therefore expected to operate with high-levels of autonomy.
• May produce or assists in producing marketing materials to support development efforts.

Qualifications

Development Officer I

• Bachelor's degree no specific discipline plus 2 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and/or public relations

Development Officer II

• Bachelor's degree no specific discipline plus 4 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and/or public relations

Licenses & Certifications:

• Driver License, Valid and in State

Contract Type

Continuing
Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date

7/1/2026