Major Gifts Officer

This role is a key member of the Advancement Department’s major gifts team, responsible for stewarding relationships and securing significant philanthropic support in furtherance of Christendom College’s mission to restore all things in Christ. The Major Gifts Officer contributes directly to the College’s ability to provide a faithfully Catholic education rooted in the liberal arts, fidelity to the Magisterium, and the formation of students intellectually, spiritually, and morally.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 125–150 major donor prospects and current benefactors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts generally at the $5,000 and above level, including five- and six-figure commitments.
• Develop and execute individualized engagement strategies for each portfolio constituent, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Conduct a consistent schedule of personal visits (generally 120–150+ annually), including travel within assigned regions.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospects at various stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop new relationships through active networking, event attendance, and through supporting College-sponsored regional events.
• Participate in regular meetings with Executive Director of Advancement and Donor Pipeline Manager to develop and execute tailored major gifts strategy.
• Serve as an Advancement representative for Virginia and Washington, DC, maintaining a consistent presence in the region.
• Build and sustain relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the College within the assigned territory.
• Oversee advancement engagement in designated Midwest cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Cleveland, including quarterly in-person visits to these territories.
• Support and collaborate with regional alumni and parent leaders, where applicable.
• Communicate clearly and accurately the mission, identity, and priorities of Christendom College, including its commitment to the Magisterium and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
• Present and articulate opportunities for philanthropic support in areas such as student scholarships, academic programs, campus development, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure timely and appropriate follow-up for all donor interactions, including acknowledgments, reporting, and ongoing communication.
• Coordinate meaningful donor engagement opportunities, such as campus visits, interaction with students and faculty, and participation in College events.
• Support the development and delivery of impact reporting that reflects both the academic and spiritual outcomes of donor support.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of donor activity in the College’s CRM system.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Advancement Department and the College’s mission.

Requirements

• This position must be held by an active, practicing Catholic who is committed to the Church’s mission on earth.
• 5–10 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, customer development, or relationship-based roles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships, manage a portfolio, and secure significant financial commitments or comparable outcomes.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including overnight travel and many evenings and weekends.
• Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Catholic institutions, apostolates, or higher education.
• Familiarity with donor communities in the Virginia/DC region and/or Midwest.
• Experience with campaign fundraising, planned giving, or complex gift strategies.

Physical, Mental, and Emotional Requirements

• Work many evenings and weekends throughout the year.
• Work many overnight trips throughout the year.
• Drive for up to 8 hours a day.
• Fly in an airplane.
• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Show respect to everyone encountered.
• Be calm in stressful situations.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $100,000 – $115,000.