Leadership Gifts Officer

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage a portfolio of leadership and major gift prospects, focusing on individuals with the capacity to donate $5,000 to $50,000 annually.
• Conduct monthly prospect trips and 130 donor meetings to cultivate and solicit gifts in support of College priorities.
• Assist the director of major gifts and major gifts team in growing the minerva scholarship program for annual scholarship funds.
• Champion and promote the Family Circle, focusing on cultivating and retaining key philanthropic donors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Family Circle members, ensuring personalized and meaningful engagement to foster continued and increasing support.
• Implement tailored strategies for recognition, cultivation, and communication to deepen donor connections and inspire increased giving at leadership and major gift levels.
• Manage relationships with College leadership and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with Family Circle members.
• Participate in the development and execution of an annual operating plan for the major gifts office.
• Staff College Relations events as needed, including Homecoming and Family Weekend and ReUnion.
• Contribute to other campus initiatives and key college priorities if and when opportunities arise.
• Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of Union’s history, academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs, along with familiarity with faculty, students, and administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
• Three years of successful fundraising experience at an institution of higher education or comparable fundraising settings, with a track record of securing gifts and commitments of $2,000+.
• Ability and willingness to travel monthly, work occasional weekends, and participate in evening events as required.
• A valid U.S. driver license is required.
• Experience in managing and collaborating with diverse volunteer groups.
• Demonstrated results-oriented approach and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally diverse learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow professionals.
• Able to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.