Leadership Gifts Officer

Bentley University; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 91,150 - 150,890; Full time

Job summary

Bentley University is seeking a Leadership Gifts Officer (LGO) to secure philanthropic support for its strategic priorities. The LGO will handle annual and multiyear pledges while building strong relationships with a portfolio of prospects.

The role offers a flexible work arrangement, with required in-person attendance based on business needs. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience in fundraising or related fields.

Salary range for this position is between $91,150 and $150,890 annually, depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of frontline fundraising, sales, or account management experience.
• Demonstrated positive and collaborative professional approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close annual commitments of $2,500+.
• Meet or exceed annual goals for gift revenue and solicitation.
• Prepare donor correspondence and related documents.

Skills

Fundraising

Sales

Account management

Communication skills

Data analytics

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM donor databases

Job description

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Senior Managing Director of Annual and Leadership Giving, the Leadership Gifts Officer (LGO) plays a key role in securing philanthropic support for Bentley University’s strategic priorities. The LGO qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals with the capacity to make annual gifts of $2,500 or more, as well as multiyear commitments, building strong relationships and executing strategic solicitation plans across a portfolio of 125–150 prospects.

Essential Duties

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close annual commitments of $2,500+ and multiyear pledges of $10,000+ while helping build a future major‑gift pipeline.
• Meet or exceed annual goals for gift revenue, meetings, qualification, solicitation, and other key performance indicators.
• Maximize productivity through portfolio management strategies supported by prospect research, data analytics, AI, and technology tools.
• Maintain timely and accurate database records, including contact reports, demographic updates, and moves‑management activity.
• Prepare donor correspondence, gift documentation, briefing materials, and related documents.
• Partner with frontline teams—Major Giving, Annual Giving, Gift Planning, and Corporate and Foundation Relations—to create comprehensive solicitation strategies.
• Collaborate with the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement and the Pulsifer Career Development Center to maximize resources and create engagement opportunities.
• Steward donors in collaboration with the Donor Relations team.
• Develop and articulate a strong knowledge of Bentley University’s culture, fundraising priorities, mission, and strategic positioning, as well as its academic, co‑curricular, and athletic programs, faculty, students, and administration.
• Understand and meet departmental standards, policies, and procedures with respect to all aspects of the position.
• Participate in and organize targeted cultivation events locally and out of state, attending and staffing events that may require travel, evening, or weekend responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of frontline fundraising, sales, account management, or related experience, preferably within higher education.
• A positive, collaborative, proactive professional who is results‑oriented, enthusiastic, and comfortable making direct person‑to‑person solicitations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using CRM donor databases and intermediate proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a value‑driven organization.
• Ability to interact professionally and maintain confidentiality.
• Must hold and maintain a valid, unrestricted US driver’s license with an insurable driving history as determined by Bentley’s insurance carrier.

Work Environment

The role offers a flexible work arrangement, combining in‑person attendance with remote work. On‑site presence is required based on business needs, team collaboration, or scheduled meetings. The LGO must be able to travel by car, plane, and public transportation, as the position requires 10–20% day and overnight travel. Some weekend and evening duties are required.

Pay Transparency

Salary Grade Range: $91,150 – $150,890 per year. Final pay will depend on experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.