Wesleyan University’s Office of Advancement (ADV) builds lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, and engages them in support of Wesleyan’s educational mission and financial goals.

The Advancement team fosters pride in the Wesleyan community and develops support for university initiatives through outreach activities, including development and fundraising, alumni and parent relations, and on-and off-campus events.

Wesleyan is currently in the public phase of a $600 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. While raising financial support for key University initiatives, the campaign also aims to broaden Wesleyan’s donor base and build a pipeline of donors for the future. Working with an alumni body of more than 30,000, as well as current and past parents, the Advancement team inspires the Wesleyan community and cultivates support for university initiatives through outreach activities, including development and fundraising, alumni and parent relations, and both on- and off-campus events. Reunion & Commencement Weekend is our largest annual event.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Discovery Officer plays a foundational role in the Office of Advancement’s fundraising efforts by identifying and engaging alumni prospects.

The Discovery Officer supports the mission of the institution by fostering meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and donors, while contributing to philanthropic initiatives that strengthen the university community and will help expand the pipeline of potential donors and support the university’s mission through meaningful outreach and engagement.

Responsibilities include:

Prospect Discovery & Qualification:

•  Identify and qualify a portfolio of approximately 200-300 pre-25th reunion alumni prospects through outreach and initial engagement.  

Lead Generation:   

• Surface potential major gift leads for major gifts and contributes to the growth of leadership-level annual fund donors.

Philanthropy Education:

• Help educate constituents about the impact of giving and Wesleyan’s fundraising priorities.

Event Support:

• Assist in planning and executing regional and campus-based events that promote philanthropic engagement.

Collaboration:

•  Work closely with colleagues across Advancement, including Annual Giving, Engaged Philanthropy, Reunion Giving, and Major Gifts teams.

• Other duties as assigned.

This position is open to the consideration of a hybrid work schedule.  Hybrid work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY. (Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).

This is a two year term limited position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years (professional or student experience) of direct or related experience in facilitating events, programming, fundraising, customer service, marketing and outreach, or other related work or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Proven ability to set measurable goals, develop strategies to reach goals, and adhere to timelines.

• Experience in engaging individuals through meetings, phone banking, canvassing, or social media to convey organizational needs and priorities, build relationships, and promote business or work.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

• Proven ability to draft clear, professional materials for a variety of audiences.

• Ability to effectively guide and educate others to accomplish strategic goals, find positive solutions to nuanced challenges, and maintain a calm demeanor.

• Experience working in a team to achieve shared goals, negotiate and build consensus with others.

• Proven ability to engage and interact effectively with diverse constituents, build effective relationships and serve as an ambassador.

• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment with the ability to work as part of a diverse and collaborative team.

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends, as well as overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in non-profits, customer service, or education

• Experience soliciting and closing annual gifts.

• Experience communicating with and leading groups of volunteers.

Applications must include a