Development Officer SMS

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This position serves as a Development Officer within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, IL, with responsibilities split equally between fundraising for Simmons Cancer Institute and general development support for the School of Medicine.

• Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, culminating in private philanthropic support for Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects supporting Simmons Cancer Institute and School of Medicine priorities, advancing relationships through the full donor cycle, meeting defined goals, and reporting progress against annual action plans and fundraising metrics.
• Conduct documented face-to-face personal visits, qualify new major gift prospects annually and submit proposals and contact reports in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with development colleagues and academic leaders to develop donor strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Develop a working knowledge of planned giving and non‑cash asset gifts and incorporate those strategies as appropriate.
• Understand and remain current on key initiatives of SIU School of Medicine related to faculty, residents, students, clinics, education, outreach, and research.
• Prepare proposals and gift agreements in compliance with SIU Foundation policies.
• Ensure effective records maintenance, including timely filing of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies and contact reports using SIU Foundation’ prospect management system.
• Provide stewardship of gifts, including acknowledgments, coordination of recognition events, and donor dedications.
• Work in partnership with the Office of Marketing, Communications & Engagement (OMCE) on communications related to philanthropic initiatives.
• Collaborate with outside agencies, institutions, and individuals to establish sponsor ships or other philanthropic support for SCI events, outreach, and research.

• Support the planning and execution of key philanthropic events for Simmons Cancer Institute—including but not limited to the Denim & Diamonds gala, Women’s Power Lunch Against Cancer, and the Butterfly Release—in collaboration with SCI and SIU Foundation staff.
• Coordinate with the SCI Program Director and Events Administrator Associates; manage the Denim & Diamonds volunteer committee and serve as the primary liaison for event‑related donor engagement.
• Oversee donor recognition efforts in collaboration with SCI program staff, including stewardship of the donor wall and other recognition spaces.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and SCI leadership to implement a future grateful patient referral program and engagement pipeline.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with community partners, donors, and public interest groups in support of development and engagement initiatives.

• Serve as a liaison to departments, executive groups, and committees to assess and prioritize philanthropic needs.
• Participate on university and Simmons Cancer Institute committees as assigned.
• Represent the School of Medicine and Simmons Cancer Institute through membership in relevant professional or community organizations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressive fundraising, including at least 2 years in individual major‑gift fundraising experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, sales, marketing, or a closely related area.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and…