Discovery Development Officer - Institutional Advancement

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Discovery Development Officer - Institutional Advancement Job Description

Ashland University seeks a motivated and relationship-focused Discovery Development Officer (DXO) to join the Institutional Advancement team. This frontline fundraising position plays a vital role in building the University's pipeline of future leadership and major gift donors by identifying, researching, qualifying, and engaging alumni, parents, and friends with the capacity and interest to support Ashland University's mission.

The Discovery Development Officer serves as the first point of contact in the major gift fundraising process, conducting proactive outreach and discovery conversations to determine philanthropic interest and readiness for further engagement. Qualified prospects are strategically transitioned to Major Gift Officers for cultivation and solicitation.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and qualify prospective leadership and major gift donors.
• Conduct discovery outreach through phone calls, email, virtual meetings, and occasional in-person visits.
• Build and manage an active portfolio of prospective donors and advance them through the qualification process.
• Maintain accurate prospect records, contact reports, and next steps within the University's CRM.
• Prepare prospect research, briefing materials, and travel recommendations for Major Gift Officers.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services, Prospect Management, and frontline fundraisers to strengthen the donor pipeline.
• Analyze prospect data, giving history, engagement, and wealth screening information to identify new fundraising opportunities.
• Represent Ashland University professionally while building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends.
• Support Institutional Advancement events and initiatives as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, research, and time-management skills.
• Ability to initiate conversations and build relationships with diverse constituents.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and utilize CRM and prospect research systems.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work evenings or weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, admissions, sales, business development, or customer relationship management.
• Experience with prospect research, donor qualification, or frontline fundraising.
• Familiarity with donor databases, CRM systems, and wealth screening tools.

Physical Demands

• Standing for long periods of time

Anticipated Start Date of New Hire 10/01/2026 Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week 40 Shift Required? First

Job Duties

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S1130P Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 10/01/2026 Job Open Date 08/17/2026 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.ashland.edu/postings/8725

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Letters Of Recommendation