Simmons College

Please Note: This recruitment is being managed by Boyden Executive Search Firm

The Discovery Officer position at Simmons University is being managed in partnership with Boyden Executive Search Firm. We encourage all interested candidates to reach out directly to the search firm representatives for more information or to address any questions regarding the role or the application process.

For inquiries, please contact:

Shaké Sulikyan

Senior Advisor & Executive Search Consultant

ssulikyan@boyden.com

www.boyden.com

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

The Discovery Officer (DO) will partner with the University Advancement team and other campus partners to significantly grow the number of qualified prospects who can support Simmons University at the major gifts level ( $50K+). The DO will manage a portfolio comprised of 400+ donors and prospects who have the capacity to make a major gift as determined through wealth screening data. The DO will collaborate closely with prospect research and annual giving to build out the portfolio.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Execute a comprehensive strategy to engage and qualify a significant number of prospects.
• Proactively manage a consistently shifting portfolio of 400+ donors and prospects with a focus on upgrading lower-end donors into major gift portfolios.
• Prospect for new discovery meetings, using various strategies to uncover previously unengaged prospect/donors.
• Identify prospects and donors who have the potential to make a major gift, determine their area of interest, and manage a seamless hand-off to major gift portfolios.
• Cultivate, solicit, and renew gifts, as appropriate.
• Develop and articulate a deep knowledge of the Simmons University mission and funding priorities.
• Deliver timely and effective follow-up to prospects and donors.
• Generate timely contact reports in the CRM database.
• Collaborate across University Advancement and the university to maximize internal relationships and donor relationships.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or related field.
• Strong organizational, relationship, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Adept with technology and able to learn new technology platforms, including video-conferencing, CRM databases, etc.
• Proficient in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Self-starter/entrepreneurial to secure appointments and qualify prospects.
• Able to work independently, as well as to be a collaborative team player.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects.

COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving
• Analytical and Strategic
• Customer Service Oriented
• Communication (Written, Verbal, Presentation)
• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence and Social Justice
• Teamwork

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days in the office; the option to work remotely 2 days/week can be explored after 90 days.
• 40 hours/week;
• Office environment;
• Some travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work;

Salary Grade

S09

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.