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Job Description Summary

Engagement Officer sits at the intersection of relationship management, communications, and fundraising strategy—owning a portfolio of prospective donors while helping deepen connection to the organization’s mission. The Engagement Officer is responsible for cultivating, stewarding, and growing relationships with a portfolio of prospective donors. This role develops and executes personalized engagement strategies to develop interest, strengthen loyalty, and inspire increased philanthropic support. The Officer works closely with advancement, communications, and community programs to deliver meaningful engagement experiences and demonstrate impact. The Officer represents Ringling College of Art and Design in campus activities, community events and organizations that further the development of engaging prospective donors. This position requires sensitive interaction with a variety of internal and external contacts.

The scope of the job requires travel as well as attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, events, meetings etc., and visits to donors in their homes and offices throughout the country.

Job Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and similar or related tasks may be assigned as necessary. Management reserves the right to assign additional duties as required.

Donor Relationship Management
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 prospective donors.
• Develop and implement individualized engagement, cultivation, and stewardship plans.
• Conduct regular outreach through meetings, calls, emails, and events.
• Identify opportunities to upgrade donor giving and move donors along the pipeline.
Engagement & Stewardship
• Design and execute thoughtful engagement strategies, including impact reporting.
• Coordinate touchpoints such as events, campus visits, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
• Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of gifts.
• Partner with leadership and program staff to connect donors with mission-driven work.
Fundraising & Solicitation
• Identify prospective donors for further cultivation of major gifts.
• Collaborate on proposals, gift agreements, and case materials.
• Support broader fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
Data & Strategy
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in CRM systems.
• Track engagement activity, pipeline movement, and revenue progress toward goals.
• Analyze donor trends and recommend strategies to improve retention and growth.
Collaboration
• Work closely with major gift officers to transition donors when appropriate.
• Partner with communications teams to align messaging and storytelling.
• Support events and initiatives led by the advancement team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Note: The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are representative but not exhaustive. Candidates may be expected to demonstrate additional competencies relevant to the role. Meeting the listed qualifications does not guarantee job placement or advancement.
• Knowledge of donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising best practices.
• Proficiency in donor database management, reporting and activity tracking.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate organizational missions into compelling donor engagement opportunities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound judgement.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends and travel in support of organizational events, meetings, and engagement activities.

Education and Experience

Minimum:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Five years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, sales, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in managing relationships and achieving revenue or engagement goals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to build authentic relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred:
• Experience with CRM systems, including Raiser’s Edge and Tessitura.

Ringling College of Art and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to sex, age, gender, color, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.