MAJOR GIFT OFFICER (FULL TIME)
Reports to: The Senior Director of Major Gifts
Summary of Position:
This full-time, exempt position cultivates, solicits and stewards principal and major gift donors and new prospects. S/he will join a dynamic, team-oriented development office, assume an important role in the Foundation’s fundraising program, and increase major gift contributions through personal outreach. The Major Gift Officer will work collaboratively with Foundation, Advancement and University partners. This position will be primarily focused on Athletic Fundraising.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage a portfolio of principal, major and planned giving prospects with gift capacity of $25,000 or greater, with a focus on closing five, six and seven-figure gifts.
Design and implement a cultivation and stewardship plan to include solicitation activities for each prospect with the help of the engagement team.
Partner with University Athletic Director and coaches in providing guidance on developing case statements and plans to cultivate and steward major and planned giving prospects.
Conduct a minimum of 12 quality prospect visits per month.
Actively participate, and lead when appropriate, fundraising campaigns and initiatives, including efforts to raise immediate use dollars.
Coordinate the involvement of appropriate board, volunteer, faculty or staff members in the planning of cultivation and solicitation strategies, as appropriate.
Prepare proposals and presentations for donor prospects, and solicitation of gifts.
Participate in University events and serve on committees as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in conducting successful personal solicitations for major gift fundraising or an equivalent experience working to build relationships within higher education, specifically athletics. Participation in a varsity collegiate athletic program is preferred. S/he should have demonstrated competence in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups and excellent organizational and planning, listening, diplomacy, and negotiation skills. The position requires a high level of energy, ambition, and orientation toward discussing contributions with donors including traveling to their locations. Excellent computer skills using Microsoft software (Word and Excel) and institutional data base (Raiser’s Edge) are needed, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The Gift Officer should demonstrate leadership skills, including a strong work ethic. Knowledge, understanding and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community is also very important. A demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituencies, including flexibility with the ability to juggle fluctuating priorities and produce a reliable work product is needed. Experience in planned giving programs is preferred.
Applications should include a detailed letter of interest addressing background and qualifications as outlined in the position profile; a full resume with relevant administrative responsibilities and accomplishments; and a list of three professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission.
Although applications will be reviewed until the position is filled, to ensure full consideration by the Search Committee, application materials should be received by April 30, 2023. If you are interested, please send your resume to email@lhufoundation.org.