"Major Gifts Officer"

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is an important member of the University’s advancement team. The MGO is responsible for raising support for the University’s strategic fundraising priorities. The MGO manages a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects and builds strong, trust-based relationships through personal contact with prospective donors to secure gifts of $50,000 or more. Achieves all annual fundraising metric goals, including visits, solicitations and revenue. This is an in person on campus non - remote position.

For more information please visit: manhattan.edu/giving/

Responsibilities

• Proactively contacts and communicates with potential donors in the MGO’s portfolio through phone, email, and other means to schedule meetings, share relevant information, and advance the donor’s support of the University.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings with prospective donors to identify the fundraising initiatives that resonate with them, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and active listening.
• Synthesizes information from personal contact with prospects with pertinent information gained from other sources (i.e. donor database).
• Develops effective fundraising strategy and powerful solicitation proposals that align with the prospect’s values and the University’s priorities.
• Follow up on all solicitations to secure a major gift.
• Coordinates campus visits and tours with key faculty and/or administrators.
• Enters all contact and key information gained through prospect engagement in the fundraising database.
• Develops an annual solicitation plan for every prospect in the MGO’s portfolio using a moves management approach.
• Actively reviews the portfolio of 150 donors on a weekly basis to ensure each prospect is solicited, whenever possible, and to continually update strategies and tactics for donor outreach and solicitation.
• Develops quarterly pipeline projections in concert with the team’s annual fundraising goals and reviews with manager on a regular basis.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey the mission and priorities of the University.
• Active listening skills to understand donors' interests and align fundraising efforts with their values.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop impactful fundraising strategies tailored to individual donors.
• Detail-oriented approach to maintaining accurate records and managing donor relationships effectively.
• Some weekend and evening duties are required.
• Goal-oriented mindset with a proven track record of meeting fundraising targets and exceeding expectations.