"Major Gifts Officer"

Job Details

Major Gifts Officer July 16, 2025

Lake Forest College is seeking a Major Gifts Officer who will be an important member of the Office of Advancement’s Gift Planning team. Through this role, this individual will be charged with identifying, cultivating, and stewarding philanthropic support from a pool of prospects, with an emphasis on Lake Forest alumni. Specifically, the Major Gifts Officer will partner closely with members of the team to build a cultivation strategy focused on alumni as they approach their 50th reunion.

As the College prepares for a comprehensive fundraising campaign, identifying and cultivating the College’s alumni population will be critical to the success of this initiative.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and steward an assigned portfolio of donors, which could include local and regional travel.
• Partner with the Director of Alumni Engagement and the Gift Planning department, to develop a multi-year strategy in support of an annual 50th Reunion Class gift tied to each class’s 50th
• Support Reunion volunteers and committee in their support of their class gift efforts.
• Develop solicitation proposals and stewardship reports that align with a donor’s interests and investments.
• Represent the College and the Office of Advancement at select events, serving as a campus- and community-wide ambassador to uplift the College’s culture of philanthropy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience
• Five to seven years of Leadership Annual Giving and/or Major Gifts fundraising experience; alumni engagement and fundraising preferred.
• Experience with Slate CRM or similar preferred (Razor’s Edge, etc.).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with a diverse campus community and alumni population.
• Ability to manage and meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to develop and build authentic relationships with a wide variety of donors, alumni, prospects, and campus partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Advancement staff and other campus partners.
• Ability to match institution’s priorities with interests of donors and prospects.
• Basic understanding and enthusiasm for higher education advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, and stewardship.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: $100,000 - $110,000

Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

Application

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: Katie Spieth at kspieth@lakeforest.edu.

If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College.