Major Gifts Officer

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer, Regional will lead and orchestrate the solicitation of major gifts in the $10,000–$99,999 range, focusing on upgrading donors and strengthening the leadership giving pipeline across markets in the Midwest and South. This role is part of an emerging and evolving program, with a primary focus on building and sustaining long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and recurring donors.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate 50+ new prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $10,000 or more, with an emphasis on regions in the Midwest and South.
• Generate leads based on research, local networks, and local Per Scholas partners to help build and expand the portfolio.
• Contribute to the design and refinement of a major gifts program, helping to establish strategy, processes, and best practices while advancing immediate fundraising outcomes.
• Uphold a disciplined moves management system that ensures accountability, performance tracking, and consistent donor progression; provide regular reporting on portfolio activity and results.
• Partner closely with regionally based development and program teams to engage donors through localized cultivation and stewardship experiences, including campus visits and market-specific events.
• Represent Per Scholas at programmatic and fundraising activities throughout the South and emerging markets in the Midwest.
• Support donors beyond main regions, as new markets are defined or opportunities arise.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of sophisticated major gifts experience with individuals, with a proven track record of building portfolios and closing five- and six-figure gifts. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging senior executives, board members, and institutional leaders. Ability to translate complex programmatic and outcome data into compelling, donor-centered cases for support. Self-directed, strategic thinker with a proven ability to work independently while achieving ambitious fundraising goals. Experience partnering with senior leadership, board members, and cross-functional teams to advance donor relationships. Proficiency with donor and prospect management systems, including Salesforce and iWave (Kindsight).

Qualifications

• Understanding of the philanthropic landscape in the South or Midwest a plus.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Data-informed, results-oriented, and motivated by measurable impact.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Interested in workforce development, economic mobility, technology, diversity, organizational growth, and scaling impact.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build and sustain long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and recurring donors.
• Experience in major gifts fundraising.
• Proficiency with donor and prospect management systems.

Benefits

Per Scholas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and overall quality of life! This includes holidays & PTO, full-time benefits eligibility, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision insurance, retirement savings, and additional voluntary benefits such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal services, and pet insurance. Employee discounts and wellness programs are also available.

Pay

The salary range for this role is between $110,000/year and $130,000/year, where the difference in salary is typically determined by several factors, including geography and alignment with qualifications and experience.

Schedule

National travel will be required, with a primary focus on specific campus locations in the Midwest and South.