Assistant development director

FLSA EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: Salaried; Exempt; Administrative; Full time

DEPARTMENT: Advancement

Position Summary

Alma College, building on the success of its historic Our Time is Now campaign, which raised a record $125 million, is investing in the next generation of advancement professionals. As an Assistant Development Director – Major Gifts , you will join a mission-driven team dedicated to securing philanthropic support for key priorities including the annual fund, endowment, scholarships, planned gifts, and capital projects.

This entry-level position offers a clear growth pathway in major gift fundraising. You will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, training in innovative donor engagement strategies, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in advancing Alma College’s mission.

Supervision Received/Exercised

Reports directly to the Development Director and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Portfolio Development & Donor Engagement – Assist in managing and growing a portfolio of prospective major gift donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. – Participate in donor visits—both independently and alongside senior development officers—to build strong, mission-centered relationships.
• Collaboration & Strategy – Work with advancement colleagues, faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers to identify prospects and create strategies for engagement. – Contribute to integrated fundraising efforts that align with institutional priorities.
• Constituency Engagement – Help plan, execute, and attend donor-focused events—both on campus and in key alumni markets. – Support volunteer-led initiatives, class reunion giving, and affinity group outreach.
• Professional Growth – Engage in ongoing training in donor cultivation, prospect research, database use, and emerging trends in fundraising technology. – Learn and apply digital storytelling and data-informed outreach strategies to connect with donors.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated success or interest in at least one of the following: fundraising, sales, marketing, or communications (internship or volunteer experience welcome).
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally; occasional evening and weekend work is required for events and donor visits.
• Commitment to handling confidential information with integrity and discretion.
• Goal-oriented with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to Alma College’s mission.
• Eager to learn and willing to take initiative in donor communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and build trust with colleagues, alumni, and friends of the College.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Technological literacy, including experience with or willingness to learn fundraising databases, social media platforms, and virtual meeting tools (e.g., Zoom).
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundraising and/or higher education experience
• Experience with data and/or CRM systems
• Fundamental knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Experience working with underrepresented, first-generation, Pell-eligible, and diverse populations.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Traveling independently in and out of state
• Walking
• Sitting at a desk for up to 8 hours
• Lifting up to 20 pounds
  
  

Application Process

For full consideration, qualified candidates must complete the following steps:

• submit the Alma College application
• email a letter of interest and resume to [email protected].
  
  

Applications will be accepted through October 3, 2025.

Alma College is classified as a selective Baccalaureate College: Diverse Fields by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Alma is committed to academic excellence and the development of responsible leaders; our students thrive on challenging academic programs in a supportive, small-college environment emphasizing active, collaborative learning and close student-faculty interaction. Alma is a private Phi Beta Kappa institution located in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Alma College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

Alma College recognizes that we are all transformed when we celebrate and value the varied identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our campus community. We are committed to recognizing and removing barriers to success and providing equitable access to opportunities through education and advocacy. In our increasingly diverse campus and world, we pledge to create a climate where everyone is safe and free to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. For more information about the College, visit