Regional Major Gifts Officer

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Institutional Advancement Division at Rollins College is seeking a dynamic, goal-driven, and relationship-oriented Regional Major Gifts Officer to join their team. In this role, the Regional Major Gifts Officer will cultivate and manage meaningful relationships and philanthropic partnerships within a defined region of the country. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Regional Major Gifts Officer will engage alumni, parents, families, and friends to secure annual and multi-year gifts and pledges of $50,000 or more - advancing the College's mission and strategic fundraising priorities.

The Regional Major Gifts Officer will:

• Develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives across an assigned region to build long-term, impactful donor relationships.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects through a robust travel schedule and personalized engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Planned and Major Giving, Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, Prospect Research, and Annual Giving to drive regional philanthropy and volunteerism.
• Serve as a key ambassador for Rollins College, working with campus partners to educate and inspire donors, and foster a culture of philanthropy in the region.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage a regional portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, conducting 120+ donor meetings annually with a strong focus on discovery and relationship-building.
• Travel extensively (50%), especially in the first two years, to cultivate long-term donor engagement within the assigned region.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues and campus partners to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Prepare donor strategies and proposals for annual, major, and planned gifts, including non-cash assets.
• Represent Rollins College nationally, promoting positive donor relations and philanthropic support.
• Plan and support development events and actively engage volunteers in fundraising and outreach efforts.

Minimum Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
• At least two years of fundraising experience or comparable experience in recruitment, sales, community outreach, financial services, or business development will be considered.
• Experience with "first contact and cold call" communication and outreach that is required to engage and expand the prospect pool.
• Possess a valid driver's license, or ability to obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of accepting the job, and acceptable motor vehicle record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduated from a private liberal arts college
• Work experience in higher education or other academic instructions.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Proven success in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts, ideally in a higher education setting.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build relationships across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with excellent time management and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Comfortable working in a metrics-driven environment with a proactive, donor-centric approach.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-management skills, with sound judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Dedication to professional growth and ethical fundraising practices (e.g., CASE, CGP, AFP).

Work Environment:

• Campus-based, customer service role in an office environment, offering some opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.
• Regular use of a computer and databases.
• Employees are required to use their personal cell phones for work-related communications and tasks, including but not limited to responding to emails, attending virtual meetings, and accessing College applications.
• Willingness to travel extensively (50%), especially in the first two years, within the assigned region.
• Flexible scheduling and must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends for Advancement events throughout the year including alumni/advancement events, Alumni Weekend, and Family Weekend.

Instructions to Applicants:

To apply, please submit an application and upload the following materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume

Review of applications will begin after January 12, 2026.

Benefits & Perks:

• 25 Days - Paid Time Off (vacation, sick and personal time)
• 10 Days - Paid Holidays
• 5 Days - Paid College Closure Days
• Eligible for Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurances (within 30 days of hire)
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account ($125+/month)
• 100% Employer-Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Domestic Partner Benefits
• 11.5% Employer Retirement Contributions
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Free On-Campus Parking
• Free Access to Campus Amenities (gyms, pools, library, sporting events and more)
• Free Full Tuition for Employees and their Families
• Pet Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Award-Winning Wellbeing Programs
• Plus More!