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Position Title: Discovery Officer Department: University Advancement Reports to (Title): Director of Constituent Engagement & Stewardship # Direct Reports: 0 Parameters: ☒ FT ☐ PT ; # months if not 12 Schedule/Hours (Hourly positions): Primary Location: ☒ MC ☐ Ballston ☐ Both Flex Work (Hybrid) Eligible: ☒ Yes ☐ No Remote Eligible (100% off campus): ☐ Yes ☒ No This position description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this role. POSITION SUMMARY: This role focuses on qualifying, managing, and advancing donor relationships through proactive outreach, portfolio management, and data‑driven fundraising strategies. The position supports annual fund efforts by conducting donor discovery, securing gifts through targeted multi‑channel outreach, and strengthening stewardship and retention, while maintaining accurate CRM records and tracking performance metrics. It also plays a key role in leveraging data, technology, and emerging tools such as analytics and AI to improve donor segmentation, pipeline movement, and operational efficiency, working closely with advancement colleagues and external vendors to support scalable, ethical, and effective fundraising initiatives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Donor Qualification and Portfolio Management Conduct proactive outreach to prospective donors to qualify and disqualify individuals based on giving capacity, affinity, and readiness. Document and evaluate discovery conversations to inform next steps, including referral, cultivation, solicitation, or removal from pipeline. Manage a portfolio of annual fund and leadership annual giving prospects, with responsibility for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Partner with advancement colleagues to move qualified prospects into appropriate gift officer portfolios when warranted. Annual Fundraising Execute targeted outreach strategies (calls, emails, virtual meetings) to secure annual fund gifts and increase donor participation. Support annual giving campaigns across digital, direct mail, and multi-channel efforts. Assist with stewardship and retention efforts to strengthen long-term donor relationships. Data Strategy, Systems, and Operations Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, including detailed contact reports, qualification outcomes, and engagement history. Leverage data to segment donors, prioritize outreach, and inform engagement strategies. Track and report on key performance metrics, including qualification rates, donor movement, and portfolio activity. Support data hygiene efforts, including imports, standardization, and ongoing record maintenance. Serve as a liaison with external vendors (e.g., data services, AI consultants, telefunding partners) to support donor outreach and analytics initiatives. Monitor vendor performance and ensure alignment with internal fundraising goals. Assist in preparing data and documentation for AI-driven prospecting, analytics, and process automation. Document fundraising workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and data integrity. Research and apply emerging trends in data usage and technology to strengthen donor qualification and engagement strategies. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS: Research and apply emerging trends in data usage and technology to strengthen donor qualification and engagement strategies. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner, and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the core values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and a service-oriented demeanor with students, fellow employees, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Strong attention to detail and data accuracy. Comfort working with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP, or similar). Interest in technology and emerging tools in philanthropy (AI, predictive analytics, etc.). Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Team-oriented mindset with eagerness to learn and grow in advancement work
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