Director of Development - College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Overview

The S.J. and Jessie E Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (QANR) at Utah State University is entering an exciting era of growth and innovation. With the recent Merger of the former Colleges of Agriculture and Applies Science and the Quinney College of Natural Resources as well as the Department of Geology the college is enjoying new synergy as it is expanding both its academic reach and its impact. Corporate partners and alumni are stepping forward to support these initiatives, creating new opportunities for transformative philanthropy.

There is an opportunity for a Director of Development (Development Officer III) for the College.  The position will play a pivotal role in engaging donors and partners to advance these priorities. This position is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, linking donor passions with the college’s mission and emerging opportunities.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development for QANR, this role participates in strategy development for the college’s advancement team, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as a visible ambassador for the Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will build strong, collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure significant private support for the college’s strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Work with the Executive Director of Development for QANR and the QANR development team to set program goals aligned with the College as well as the university fundraising priorities.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
• Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities.
• Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college’s expansion.
• Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.

Program Management & Execution

• Serve as an active partner to the Dean and other academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees as appropriate.
• Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
• Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles—including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property—to develop tailored proposals.

Data-Driven Strategy

• Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align with campaign goals.
• Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
• Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve fundraising and college advancement effectiveness.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
• Collaborate with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
• Represent the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in donor engagement and workplace culture.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree.
• Experience with capital campaigns.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

Contact Information for Professional References to be typed at the b