Major Gifts Officer

Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic university in a culturally rich section of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, it is one of the 17 member institutions of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. Carlow is recognized for educating traditional students and adult learners for a lifetime of ethical leadership and service.

Carlow University is currently accepting applications for our Major Gifts Officer position.

The Major Gifts Officer position is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing and providing stewardship to individuals, Foundations and Corporations capable of making major gifts to further the mission of Carlow University. Because Carlow is in an exciting chapter—a $100 million Campaign—this is a time for a solid officer to build his/her career further while using all skill sets and being recognized and supported for his/her ability to be creative.

Together with the Vice President of Advancement, this gift officer will develop and implement strategies for securing financial Support and will manage a portfolio of prospects while learning as much as possible. A university Culture based on mercy adds to the positive nature of this position. Travel within the Pittsburgh region and to some small extent nationally is required.

Essential Functions:

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward an assigned portfolio of major gift prospects annually, while continuously expanding and strengthening the portfolio to reach higher levels of fundraising success.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with corporate leaders capable of making a significant impact on the mission of Carlow University, while building strong partnerships with corporate staff.
• Meet annual fundraising and prospect activity goals through proposals, substantive prospect moves (including personal visits, phone calls, emails, campus visits, and events), and securing annual financial commitments to the University.
• Regularly evaluate and strategically manage the major gift prospect portfolio, advancing prospects through the full donor gift cycle and soliciting when appropriate, with the goal of securing five- and six-figure gifts or higher.
• Collaborate with assigned university departments, faculty, staff, and constituent groups to develop and execute optimal cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
• Ensure stewardship of gifts received through timely and appropriate donor recognition and follow-up communications.
• Prepare timely written contact reports, proposals, gift illustrations, informational materials, and other documentation necessary to advance cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Attend advancement and university events to cultivate, strengthen, and maintain relationships with donors, prospects, and other philanthropic stakeholders.
• Lead and execute assigned projects as directed by the VP of Advancement & Alumni Engagement, while also contributing to the development of self-initiated projects aligned with professional interests and institutional goals.
• Demonstrate and reflect a clear understanding of and commitment to the mission and core values of Carlow University and the Sisters of Mercy, both on campus and within the broader community.
• Support the evolving needs of the Advancement Office by performing additional duties as assigned.
• Actively pursue professional growth opportunities, building career expertise and assuming increased responsibilities as demonstrated performance and experience warrant.

Required experience, skills, knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years), preferably in higher education and in cultivating, soliciting and closing five-figure gifts or more (transferable work experience may be taken into consideration)
• Knowledge and experience in working in a non-profit environment.
• Ability to effectively build, sustain and leverage relationships in a strategic manner, both towards internal and external stakeholders, to advance the objectives of the institution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; exceptional interpersonal communication is a must.
• Knowledge of IRS, FASB laws, strong alignment with the Donor Bill of Rights and deep understanding of fundraising and solicitation policies, procedures and methodologies.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated skill at time management, multi-tasking and project management.
• Goal and mission oriented; optimistic and positive towards their work, department and colleagues; courteous to other departments that are part of our development initiative including Marketing, Enrollment, Capital Initiatives, Finance, Admissions, Academic Affairs, to Deans of Schools within Carlow.
• There is a high priority placed on the ability to employ an entrepreneurial spirit to approach problem solving while meeting and exceeding goals department and individual goals.

Required Related Experience:

• 5-7 years of professional work experience; non-profit and higher education preferred
• Progressive track record of responsibility and gift closure
• Ability to travel is required; evenings and weekends may be needed
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and manage priorities
• Ability and motivation to work in a team-based, goal-oriented environment.
• Technical knowledge and use of donor database management systems. Experience with Raiser’s Edge database is a plus.

Posted: 2026-05-30