Development Officer Cover Letter Examples

Dear Mr. Stiffler:

When I learned of your search for an experienced Development Officer, I quickly decided to submit my resume for your consideration. With 14+ years of experience leading relationship management, event coordination, fundraising efforts, and donor outreach for top-tier private colleges, I am confident that I can significantly benefit your school in this role.

My background spans excellent experience in identifying, soliciting, and securing major gifts and donations as a Development Officer/Associate with Lewis & Clark College and Reed College, respectively. I excel at tapping into previously ignored and/or unreached funding opportunities while maintaining a steadfast dedication to achieving—and often exceeding—fundraising objectives. With my outstanding networking and relationship building/management talents, I am confident that my qualifications will readily translate to this position and render me an invaluable asset to your team.

Consider the following highlights of my qualifications:

Spearheading donor communications, fundraising, donation processing, alumni relations, special event management, and general program oversight to drive college funding and growth.

Researching, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gift donors on behalf of the colleges through major giving, annual giving, and planned giving efforts; serving as the chief point of contact and relationship manager for donors.

Raising approximately $690,000 in current and planned gifts during the tracked period following newly instituted metrics for FY2016 at Reed College.

Orchestrating the bi-annual donor appeal mailing project, sending 2,500+ direct mail pieces to both potential and current donors.

Representing colleges at internal and external fundraising and alumni events.

Building, growing, and continually updating a prospective donor tracking system to eliminate overlapping fund requests and improve the ability to pinpoint and pursue uncommitted donors.

Demonstrating superior leadership, time management, and interpersonal skills throughout my career accomplishments.

With my proven expertise in marketing, donor relations, and program coordination to drive fundraising efforts for private academic institutions, I am certain that I can outperform your expectations for this role. I look forward to discussing the position and my qualifications in further detail.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Lyons