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 beginning of the application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

The Division of Advancement is a welcoming office where teamwork and inclusiveness are highly valued. Advancement staff are engaged in the meaningful work of securing private financial resources to fuel Utah State University's mission by creating gratifying gift and engagement experiences for USU's generous and passionate alumni and friends. Comprising the division are the office of the Vice President, the USU Foundation & Board, Advancement Services, the Alumni Association (Alumni Engagement), Gift Planning, Corporations and Foundations, Strategic Communications, Stewardship, the Annual Fund and ACE (Alumni Center for Engagement). Furthermore, the division coordinates all fundraising efforts across campus, including colleges, various programs, extension campuses, and USU Athletics. Through the collaboration of these units, the Division of Advancement is able to achieve significant annual fundraising goals by inspiring stakeholders to invest their time and resources in Utah State University.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

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In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

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In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026