Principal Gifts Officer

About the role

Bentley University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Principal Gifts Officer. The PGO will secure transformational philanthropy to advance Bentley University’s most important priorities.

Responsibilities

• Strategically qualify, cultivate, and solicit individuals within the assigned portfolio, securing commitments of $500,000 and larger in support of university and campaign priorities;
• Demonstrate independent judgment and strategic foresight in developing customized donor strategies that lead to long-term, transformational relationships;
• Achieve and exceed annual goals for revenue, visits, solicitations, and key performance indicators;
• Partner with Gift Planning colleagues to craft complex gift strategies, including blended gifts and gifts of non-cash or tax-advantaged assets;
• Serve as a mentor and resource to major gift officers, offering guidance on strategy development, portfolio management, and donor engagement best practices;
• Employ data-informed portfolio management, using analytics, research, and AI tools to identify, prioritize, and advance prospective donors;
• Plan and participate in cultivation events—both locally and nationally—to strengthen relationships with prospects and inspire support;
• Document all donor interactions in the university’s CRM, ensuring accurate, timely, and complete records of engagement and solicitation activity;
• Prepare compelling donor communications, including correspondence, proposals, gift documentation, and briefing materials for university leadership;
• Collaborate across University Advancement, including Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Gift Planning, and Corporate & Foundation Relations, to develop integrated strategies that support shared goals;
• Create opportunities for meaningful donor and volunteer engagement with the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement and the Pulsifer Career Development Center;
• Cultivate relationships with key campus partners—including academic and administrative leaders—to align philanthropic opportunities with Bentley’s mission and priorities;
• Collaborate with Donor Relations to ensure comprehensive and personalized stewardship experiences;
• Develop and demonstrate a deep understanding of Bentley’s mission, culture, and strategic direction to articulate compelling cases for support;
• Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information appropriately;
• Represent Bentley University at events and meetings, including those requiring travel, evening, or weekend participation.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of progressive frontline fundraising experience, including a proven record of closing seven‑figure+ gifts, including blended gifts and commitments involving complex assets;
• An ability to develop and execute sophisticated donor strategies;
• An ability to work strategically, independently, and with an entrepreneurial attitude;
• An ability to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals, leading to transformational philanthropic outcomes;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to convey Bentley’s mission and impact to diverse audiences;
• Mentorship experience and a collaborative leadership style that fosters teamwork and professional growth among colleagues;
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft 365;
• An ability to manage data, create reports, and leverage technology for efficiency;
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with an ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines with attention to detail;
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice and workplace culture;
• An ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information appropriately.