Coordinator of Fund Development and Engagement

Position Title: Coordinator of Fund Development & Engagement
Department: Foundation (FOU)

Division: Foundation (FOU)
Employee Status: Full-time
Type: Professional Staff Association (PSA)
Grade: K
Salary: ($59,925-$62,000 annually)
FLSA: Exempt

ICCB Classification: Tech/Professional
Issued: February 2026
Application Deadline: March 3, 2026

Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Reporting Relationships
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Supervision Exercised: None

Job Summary The Coordinator of Fund Development & Engagement plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Rock Valley College Foundation by cultivating community partnerships, securing sponsorships for college events and initiatives, strengthening donor and alumni engagement and stewardship, and supporting scholarship programs and student outreach. This position equally balances responsibilities across community engagement, development operations and gift processing, donor and alumni relations, and scholarship support, while ensuring efficient day-to-day foundation operations. The ideal candidate is an energetic, organized self-starter who excels in a collaborative environment, builds authentic relationships, communicates effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and is deeply committed to expanding educational access and opportunity at Rock Valley College.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

Community Engagement & Sponsorship Development

• Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with regional businesses, community partners, and alumni to secure event sponsorships, athletic sponsorships, and other college-based support.
• Manage a portfolio of sponsorship prospects and serve as the primary point of contact for college sponsorship inquiries and fulfillment, both internally throughout our college campuses and externally throughout our greater community.
• Represent the Foundation at community events, athletic events, and business functions to promote fundraising priorities.
• Support the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Director of Development (DoD) in identifying and developing new partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
• Assist development team with the annual grant writing cycle by researching college-specific data and supporting materials, basic application writing, and assisting with reporting requirements for grants that support priority programs and initiatives.

Development Operations & Gift Processing

• Manage gift entry process to include all gift batch commit responsibilities. Monitor gift entry processes for timely and accurate entry and accounting, acknowledgement letter and receipt coordination, and data integrity within the donor CRM.
• Prepare donor CRM reports both routinely and upon individual request.
• Track fundraising progress, enter donor communication, and maintain accurate records in donor database.
• Assist Scholarship & Financial Operations Coordinator (SFOM) with the creation of mailing lists for electronic and printed mailings.
• Support the Foundation's compliance with fundraising policies, procedures, and audit requirements.
• Assist SFOM with pledge reminders, data imports/exports, and documentation.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship Support

• Compile accurate, timely, and often personalized donor stewardship reports, impact and giving statements, and related communication pieces with direction from CDO, DoD and SFOM.
• Design and generate two unique quarterly e-newsletters, with direction from the DoD, within two focus areas: alumni and RVC athletics.
• Help coordinate donor events, campus tours, and engagement opportunities.
• Support the creation and execution of donor engagement strategies that promote long-term philanthropic relationships.

Scholarship Program Support & Student Outreach

• Work closely with the Scholarship & Financial Operations Coordinator (SFOM) to support scholarship processes, activities, timelines, and award management.
• Serve, in conjunction with the SFOM, as an ambassador for the college's scholarship program by visiting local high schools, presenting scholarship information in a clear and engaging way, and raising awareness among prospective students and families.
• Assist with scholarship donor reporting, award notifications, application and thank you letter review, and student communications.
• Support scholarship events, recognition programs, and related engagement initiatives.

General Duties

• Serve on appropriate college committees that relate to position and department functions.
• Using tact and courtesy, the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain high level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Regular attendance is expected.
• Related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in non-profit-related studies, communications, business, marketing, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising, development, donor relations or community engagement.
• Experience working with a CRM system or donor database.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, and must be comfortable interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including donors, students, business leaders, college and foundation board members, and alumni.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally for donor and community visits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education fundraising or nonprofit development.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge donor software is preferred.
• Knowledge of sponsorship development, donor stewardship practices, and fundraising operations.
• Experience presenting to groups, including high school audiences.

Required Attributes

• Energetic, positive, and highly motivated.
• Exhibits strong initiative and works effectively with a high degree of independence.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and relationship-building ability.
• Operates with composure, emotional intelligence and effectiveness in a fast-moving environment.
• Deep appreciation for the mission, values, and impact of the college; must genuinely love and champion education and educational access for all.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office type setting. Some evening and weekend work may be required for Foundation and college events.