Regional Development Officer

Position Overview

Zaytuna College is a not-for-profit higher education institution that is funded significantly by the generous support of the American Muslim community. The Office of Institutional Advancement is charged with the fiduciary responsibility of securing philanthropic revenue for the College and working closely with our donors throughout all individual interactions – from initial introduction, through financial commitment, stewardship, and beyond.

The Regional Development Officer (RDO) is an essential member of Zaytuna College’s Institutional Advancement team, responsible for strategically building and maintaining robust relationships with existing donors and proactively identifying and cultivating new major gift prospects capable of giving $10,000 or more annually. The role requires a dynamic individual who excels in engaging diverse communities and possesses exceptional skills in relationship building, donor stewardship, and strategic planning. Critical to the role is the rigorous application of the industry standard moves management processes to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects effectively within the assigned region.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Understand the institution’s mission and accurately and effectively communicate it to donors.
2. Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and departments to ensure cohesive messaging and strategy alignment in fundraising efforts.
3. Implement and manage a strategic, data-driven moves management process to systematically identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 75-100 major gift prospects and donors of $10,000 and above annually.
4. Conduct meaningful donor engagement, including scheduled visits, plus ongoing prospect qualification activities that lead toward successful gift solicitations and long-term donor commitments and relationships.
5. Build institutional relationships with key organizations, masjids, institutions influencing Muslim life in assigned region(s).
6. Effectively draft persuasive philanthropic proposal language with minimal supervision.
7. Ensure timely and accurate updates and documentation of donor interactions, gift solicitation strategies, and outcomes within the college’s prospect management database.
8. Recruit, train, and effectively manage a volunteer-led regional campaign cabinet or advisory committee, composed of influential and dedicated community leaders and supporters.
9. Coordinate with the Events and Hospitality team to execute targeted events, campus visits, and other engagement opportunities that inspire increased donor participation and support.
10. Contribute proactively to the team’s planning process by examining donor relations and fundraising activities, offering insights, and developing regional-specific strategies.
11. Meet the following performance metrics per fiscal year (beginning August 1):

• Visits (face to face, virtual, or phone): 150+

• Solicitations ($10K and above): 50

• Gifts Closed: 25

• Qualified/Discovered: 25

• Annual Revenue Goals:

• Year 1: $500K documented revenue

• Year 2: $1M documented revenue

• Year 3: $2M documented revenue

• Year 4: $3M documented revenue

• Year 5+: $3M+ documented revenue annually

• 10% yearly increase in 12,000 Strong monthly revenue in assigned region

Qualifications

• Proven success in major gifts fundraising, strategic relationship management, or related fields.

• Comfort and experience in initiating and conducting face-to-face solicitations and closing significant gifts.

• Demonstrated experience utilizing moves management methodology.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Proficiency with CRM databases, prospect management tools, and fundraising software.

• Strong organizational abilities with acute attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to connect authentically and effectively with diverse donor groups.

• Passionate alignment with the mission and values of Zaytuna College.

• Ability and willingness to regularly travel by driving within the assigned region, air travel, overnight stays, and frequent weekend and evening commitments, including up to quarterly travel to the Zaytuna College campus for events and team meetings.

• Valid driver’s license, U.S. passport, and reliable transportation.

How to Apply

Send your application documents to employment@zaytuna.edu with “Regional Development Officer” in the subject line.

• A persuasive writing sample
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three professional references

Zaytuna College is an equal opportunity employer.