Director of Major Gifts

Position Information

Position Title: Director of Major Gifts
Banner Position Number: 002681
E-Class: NC - Nonclassified - .53 or >
Department: Fundraising - MU7040

Position Details

Marshall University is a public comprehensive university with a rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Located in downtown Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs.

Work Location

MU - Marshall University

Job Description

The Director of Major Gifts for the Big Green Scholarship Foundation serves as a key member of the development team, responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects in support of the Foundation and Marshall Athletics with preference to scholarships, capital projects, and priority initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s Executive Director and the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

• Identify, cultivate, and secure major gift prospects capable of giving at $10,000+ annually.
• Secure major gifts in support of athletic scholarships and priority initiatives.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, including metrics for dollars raised, visits and Actively qualify new major gift prospects through research, referrals, and engagement strategies.
• Utilize current systems to track donor interactions, proposals, and progress toward goals.
• Collaborate & Internal Partnership: Work closely with athletics leadership, coaches, and development staff to help fundraise and collaborate with our individual sports. Partner with our external staff to enhance donor experience and engagement opportunities and assist in the sales of our premium seating / areas. Assist in executing major events, donor hospitality, donor trips and individual sporting events. Build strong relationships with alumni, donors, fans, and community stakeholders.
• Strategic Initiatives: Contribute to annual and long-term fundraising strategies for Big Green. Support targeted fundraising initiatives. Assist in integrating emerging tools (e.g., data analytics, AI prospecting) to enhance donor identification and engagement.

Metrics / Key Performance Indicators

• Number of major gift solicitations completed
• Number of donor visits (in-person/virtual)
• New major gift prospects identified and qualified

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.
• Required Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree
  • Experience: 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or relationship management (preferably in collegiate athletics or higher education).
  • Demonstrated success in securing major or leadership gifts, or comparable sales achievements.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education: Graduate Degree or specific certifications
  • Experience: Experience in NCAA Division I athletics fundraising.
  • Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Paciolan, Salesforce, or similar systems).
  • Proven ability to manage a donor portfolio and close five- and six-figure gifts.
  • Understanding of collegiate athletics culture, donor motivations and the ever-changing landscape of athletics and its effects on philanthropic giving.