Senior Major Gift Officer

Company: University of Evansville

Job Location:

Category: Development and Fundraising

Type: Full-Time

The University of Evansville (UE) is seeking an accomplished, responsive, and results-oriented Senior Major Gift Officer to join our Advancement team. This is a critical role designed for a strategic fundraiser who excels at building deep, lasting relationships with alumni, friends, and stakeholders.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, you will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting philanthropic support that fuels the University's mission. If you are a collaborative professional with a proven track record in "moves management" and a passion for higher education, we invite you to help shape the future of UE.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Major Gift Officer manages a significant portfolio and serves as a primary ambassador for the University's philanthropic vision. Your main duties will include:

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Manage a curated portfolio of 150 to 200 major donor prospects with a philanthropic capacity of $50,000 or more.
• Direct Solicitations: Lead the solicitation process for both cash and planned gifts. You will be expected to average 15 to 20 face-to-face strategic visits and 2 to 4 major commitment solicitations per month.
• Relationship Stewardship: Effectively "move" prospects through the development cycle, from identification to stewardship, ensuring that "asks" are maximized based on donor interest and University needs.
• Collaborative Fundraising: Work closely with the campus community and oversee fundraising volunteers to ensure institutional goals are met across corporate and foundation relations.
• Data-Driven Evaluation: Utilize development reporting processes to monitor and objectively evaluate fundraising appeals, providing standard activity and progress reports to leadership.
• Institutional Advocacy: Articulate the vision, mission, and core values of the University to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring a professional and consistent message.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Liberal Arts, or a related field.
• Experience: Proven success in major gift fundraising, ideally within a higher education or complex non-profit environment.
• Communication: Superior ability to articulate institutional goals and a demonstrated professional demeanor.
• Confidentiality: Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding constituent information in accordance with University policy.
• Travel: A willingness and ability to travel extensively to meet with prospects and donors is required.

Professional Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify donor capacity and align philanthropic interests with the University's most pressing needs.
• Results-Oriented: A drive to meet and exceed monthly visit and solicitation metrics.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with the AVP and the broader campus community on diverse fundraising initiatives.
• Working knowledge of Planned Giving (PG)

Why Join University Advancement at UE?

The Office of University Advancement is a high-impact team where every "move" counts. In this role, you will have the autonomy to manage a high-level portfolio while receiving the support of a collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team. Your work will directly provide the resources necessary for our students to think critically, act bravely, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application via the University of Evansville's employment portal: http://www.evansville.edu/offices/hr/employmentApp.cfm

The University of Evansville expects all members of its community to treat each other with respect and civility. Harassing behaviors directed towards any member of our community will not be tolerated. As part of its commitment to non-discrimination, the University specifically prohibits harassment based on any other characteristics set forth in its nondiscrimination statement as follows: including race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, creed or religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and all federally protected groups/classes.

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