Major Gifts Officer

Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage and actively steward a portfolio of prospects, including alumni, corporations and friends.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospects and existing donors.
• Focus on building relationships and advancing giving conversations.
• Identify, qualify, and actively move new prospects into the major gift pipeline.
• Serve as a secondary relationship manager for select major donors in coordination with senior staff.
• Design and implement thoughtful engagement strategies that strengthen relationships across the university community.
• Serve as a key connector between the Advancement Office and constituencies.
• Identify and engage prospective volunteers, speakers, mentors, and ambassadors to deepen community involvement.
• Support alumni engagement initiatives, including events, and affinity-building programs.
• Ensure consistent and meaningful recognition of donors in partnership with communications and advancement colleagues.
• Provide strategic insight into donor interests, trends, and opportunities to strengthen the philanthropic pipeline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in advancement, fundraising, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in frontline fundraising, including cultivating, soliciting, and closing leadership or major gifts.
• Outstanding writing skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly relational environment.
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT or similar CRM preferred.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor strategy, and campaign execution.