Development Officer, Parent and Family Engagement

Location : Main Campus - Homewood, AL

Job Type: Staff Full Time

Job Number: FY2600489

Division: Advancement & Marketing for Staff

Department: STA-Major Gifts

Opening Date: 08/21/2025

FLSA: Exempt

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Description

The Development Officer for Parent and Family Engagement is responsible for seeking and securing philanthropic support from the parents and families of current students through a donor-centric approach. This position plays a key role in building and strengthening relationships with this important constituency to advance the mission of the university.

The individual in this role will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward parent and family donors, with a focus on securing major and leadership-level gifts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to fostering meaningful engagement with the parent and family community at Samford. This position requires a proactive, collaborative professional who can effectively communicate the impact of philanthropy and work across departments, particularly Student Affairs, to achieve fundraising goals.

Performance is measured by university-specific and industry-aligned metrics, including visits, contacts, proposals and secured gifts.

Job Duties

Collaborate as a part of a dynamic development team to advance shared fundraising priorities for the university.

Identify major gift prospects by maintaining individual prospect activity, performing prospect research, tracking goals, and analyzing data in the University's database which is currently Blackbaud's Fundraiser Performance Management.

Partner with Advancement Services and leadership within University Advancement and the Office of Parent and Family Engagement to identify major gift prospects.

Manage a dynamic donor portfolio to secure major gifts of $25,000+.

Conduct in-person visits to qualify or disqualify major gift prospects, determine donor interests that align with current priorities, provide stewardship and solicit gifts.

Steward and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with parent and family donors to encourage continued giving and deep engagement.

Identify and refer, estate, trust and planned giving prospects to the Office of Gift and Estate Planning.

Facilitate purposeful interactions between university and Student Affairs leadership and key constituents.

Have a knowledge and clear understanding of the work, identified needs, strategic goals and programs within the Division of Student Affairs.

Represent University Advancement at events such as Family Weekend, Step Sing, Parent Leadership events, Move-In Day, Commencement, Homecoming, dedications, and funerals to engage and steward donors and prospects.

A commitment to and active participation in the Christian mission of Samford University.

Maintain a professional image consistent with the division.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required.

3 years of relevant professional experience.

Ability to travel and work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Technical skills necessary to utilize computer systems and databases to complete routine work.

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred.

5 years of relevant professional experience.

Experience in higher education or non-profit fundraising.

Demonstrated track record securing major gifts.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit our

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher?

Yes

No

02

Do you have at least 3 years of relevant experience for this position?

Yes

No

Required Question