Major Gifts Officer/Major Gifts Officer Senior, Wharton External Affairs

About the Role

The Major Gifts Officer/Senior Major Gifts Officer is a key member of the Wharton External Affairs team, responsible for managing and expanding Wharton's major gifts program. This role involves identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects with giving abilities of $100,000 and above. The position reports to the Director of Regional Development, with the level (Major Gifts Officer or Senior Major Gifts Officer) determined by experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a portfolio of approximately 150 top-tier prospects and actively solicit gifts from assigned prospects.
• Establish and meet annual goals for dollars asked and raised, as well as visits with donors and prospects.
• Develop and execute strategies for moves management, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Coordinate cultivation events and programs hosted by assigned prospects.
• Identify new prospective major gift donors and create long-range plans for their engagement with the School.
• Ensure accurate recording of prospect information and contacts in the institutional database.
• Collaborate with other fundraisers within the department and across the University to build relationships with alumni.

Qualifications

• Major Gifts Officer: Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Senior Major Gifts Officer: Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Progressive experience in institutional development, with a focus on major gifts from individuals and organizations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Experience interacting with faculty, leadership, and CEO-level contacts.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends, including participation in on- and off-campus events.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and capacity for hard work in a goal-oriented setting.
• Familiarity with database management and software such as Microsoft Office and Salesforce.
• Knowledge of university environments and academic missions is preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Substantial time away from work, including vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• Long-term care insurance options.
• Wellness and work-life resources, including professional and personal development opportunities.
• Access to University resources, cultural, and recreational activities.
• Discounts on goods and services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, and more.
• Flexible work hours and home ownership assistance programs.
• Adoption assistance for eligible employees.

Pay

• Major Gifts Officer: $100,000–$110,000
• Senior Major Gifts Officer: $112,000–$125,000

Schedule

This role requires flexibility, including travel and evening/weekend work, with participation in events both on the Philadelphia campus and in regional markets.