Overview
Major Gift Discovery Officer Jobs in Kent, OH at Kent State University
- Kent Campus – Kent
- Staff/Unclassified
- Closing on: Sep 7 2026
- 985945
- Annual Giving Programs – Kent Campus [100770]
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Job Title:
Discovery Officer
Physical Location:
Kent Campus – Kent, OH (hybrid work schedule available)
Salary:
$46,977-$55,800 (contingent upon experience)
Basic Function:
To assist in the planning and implementation of Kent State University’s strategic donor pipeline program. Engage donors and prospects to determine their level of philanthropic interest while cultivating meaningful relationships that increase annual philanthropic support and long-term engagement. Utilize a donor-centric approach to pre-qualify new prospects, re-engage past donors, manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving donors and identify individuals with the philanthropic capacity to make major gifts. Serve as a critical bridge between Annual Giving and Major Gifts by strengthening donor retention, increasing leadership annual giving and preparing qualified donors for successful transition to Philanthropic Advisors. Reports to designated supervisor in the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
Additional Basic Function – if applicable:
Examples of Duties:
Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:
Aid in the execution of a robust discovery program, helping to establish processes and procedures for the handling of prospects that are willing to take a personal visit or call by a Philanthropic Advisor for further engagement, cultivation and solicitation.
Develop, direct and implement pre-qualification strategies for major gift prospects through discovery calls, personal visits, virtual engagement, and email.
Assist in the strategy and execution of solicitations.
Manage a dynamic portfolio of prospects with interests across the university.
Work closely with the Prospect Management team and Philanthropic Advisors to expand the donor base and build a robust pipeline for major gift support for the university.
Collaborate with communications and outreach, annual giving and philanthropic advisors to ensure consistency of fundraising message and to enhance the impact of the overall university campaign.
Identify opportunities and coordinate strategies to broaden the prospect’s relationship with the university through additional engagement with institutional partners.
Maintain data integrity of prospect records, including entering and updating contact entries, next steps, and strategic donor plans and proposals according to established protocols.
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with Portfolio Development to align prospects with their level and area of philanthropic passion.
Monitor prospect qualification results to determine progress towards annual goals; provide regular reports as requested.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:
- Aid in the execution of a comprehensive discovery and mid-level giving program designed to strengthen Kent State University’s donor pipeline.
- Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving donors and prospects through personalized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
- Solicit annual leadership gifts while identifying opportunities to increase donor engagement and philanthropic investment over time.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a marketing, communications or relevant field and one year of related experience in areas including but not limited to fundraising or sales. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.
Knowledge Of:
Higher education fundraising
Direct mail, email, social media and database applications *
Marketing and communication principles and practices *
Skill In:
Written, verbal, interpersonal communication *
Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and content management systems *
Organizing information and projects; adhering to deadlines *
Ability To:
Raise funds *
Manage projects *
Work independently and as part of a team *
Multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments *
Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:
Experience in higher education fundraising. Experience using Banner and Moves Management systems. Master’s degree.
Assessments:
Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 1O pounds of force frequently to move objects. Incumbent must be able to communicate with others. Incumbent required to travel from building to building frequently and off campus regularly.
Working Schedule:
Additional Information:
Must pass a security check.
Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.
For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.
Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.
Value Statement
Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.
Disclaimer:
The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.
Title: Major Gift Discovery Officer
Company: Kent State University
Location: Kent, OH
Category:
