Major Gifts Officer

Overview

Manage a portfolio of approximately 175 major gift prospects with an average capacity of $100,000 at various stages of their relationship with the College. Devise and execute individual strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects with a heavy focus on face-to-face meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage a portfolio of 175 major gift prospects with an average capacity of $100,000 in assigned geographic regions, soliciting and securing major gifts for the identified priorities of the College: secure annual fund level gifts from prospects not yet ready for major gift level solicitation. (35%)
2. Identify and develop a pipeline of prospects who have the capacity and the inclination to make major gifts. Develop and implement individual strategies for each prospect within qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to enhance relationships with the College and continue along the moves management cycle. (20%)
3. Complete a minimum of 140 face-to-face visits with prospects in various stages of their relationship with the College. Utilize various communication methods to keep donors informed and connected to the College. (30%)
4. Work to maximize fundraising productivity; provide staff support for volunteer committees, and develop productive working relationships with staff, faculty, deans, administrators, and key volunteers. (5%)
5. Assume primary development responsibility for specific geographic regions, including select events and programs for major gift prospects. Maintain a regular presence in geographic areas with assigned prospects. Manage individual regions execution of development events, including cultivation and stewardship opportunities. (5%)
6. Summarize face-to-face visits, outreach and communication, and proposal details via contact reports on donor record. Utilize Banner or system of record to input data. (5%)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution required
• Three to five years of fundraising or related experience in higher education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven success in cultivation and solicitation of gifts at or above the $50,000 level
• Demonstrated ability to form and leverage relationships with prospects and donors
• Highly motivated, self-starter that is goal oriented
• Must possess an outgoing and positive personality, collaborative working style, and an enthusiasm for building bridges between and among key stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent working knowledge of personal solicitation, fundraising strategies, and cultivation and stewardship for high-end donors.
• Ability to handle highly confidential prospect information
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively.