Senior Philanthropy Officer

Full-time regular position within the Institutional Advancement department, reporting to the Director of Philanthropy.

About the Role

The Senior Philanthropy Officer (SPO) serves as a visible ambassador for the College, building and sustaining relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and business/corporate entities. This role focuses on securing institutional priority-based leadership gifts, including major gifts, annual support, capital project funding, planned giving commitments, and establishing a pipeline for the next comprehensive campaign.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of prospects for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, gift closure, and stewardship, resulting in annual gifts, major gifts, multi-year pledges, and planned giving commitments.
• Develop and execute a 12 to 24-month strategic plan for each donor/prospect in collaboration with the Director of Philanthropy, ensuring effective moves management.
• Advance campaign priorities such as the Student Commons, Athletics Complex, and Soccer and Lacrosse Field, with flexibility to adapt based on campaign season and presidential priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects, with a focus on leadership annual and major gift donors, using moves management strategies to maximize financial support.
• Utilize the College’s donor database (CRM), reporting tools, and wealth screening information to optimize donor-facing activities and secure major gifts.
• Build relationships with alumni, parents, friends, faculty/staff, and business entities to secure gifts for annual and capital campaigns.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor/prospect contacts in the College’s donor database.
• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior in all interactions, promoting a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Support the College’s mission, vision, and values, contributing to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan.
• Work outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends as needed, and travel within an assigned territory.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including administrative tasks and data analysis.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in a professional program.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful professional fundraising experience in higher education or community-based nonprofit organizations, with a proven track record in major and/or planned gift solicitation, capital campaigns, or capital projects. Candidates with 5+ years of successful professional sales experience will also be considered.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication (verbal, written, and presentation), and listening skills.
• Ability to articulate the College’s mission, vision, and strategic goals effectively.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptability to new technologies, including CRM systems and wealth screening tools.
• Discretion in handling confidential information and proven ability to build trust and rapport with diverse constituents.
• Self-directed, energetic, and motivated approach with a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and adapt to changing group dynamics.
• Mathematical and analytical skills for compiling, summarizing, and interpreting fundraising data.

Pay

$75,000–$80,000 annual salary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision group insurance.
• Health and dependent care savings plans.
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Employee assistance program.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous paid time off, including 3 weeks of vacation to start and 15 paid holidays per year (including 5 days during Winter Break).
• Free access to campus health center, fitness and athletic facilities, and library.