Major Gift Officer

Central Piedmont Community College; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Piedmont Community College seeks a Major Gift Officer to secure substantial philanthropic investments expanding access and student success. Based in Charlotte, NC, the role drives major-gift strategies and engages donors across the college and Foundation.

The ideal candidate has seven years of major-gift fundraising, strong relationship-building skills, and experience collaborating with leadership and faculty. Bachelor's degree required; master's and CFRE preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with major-gift track record.
• CFRE certification and experience in higher education or major campaigns preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized strategies for major-gift prospects and donors.
• Build the donor pipeline through research, referrals, events, and community relationships.
• Conduct donor visits and prepare proposals, correspondence, briefings, and gift illustrations.
• Achieve annual fundraising, donor-engagement, and portfolio-performance goals.
• Partner with institutional leaders, Foundation representatives, faculty, staff, and volunteers on donor meetings and solicitations.
• Maintain accurate donor records and use data to guide strategy and evaluate results.
• Support campaigns, stewardship programs, and donor-engagement events.

Skills

Exceptional communicator

Relationship builder

Prospect management

Strong written/oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

CFRE certification

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Job description

Major Gift Officer

Central Piedmont Community College invites applications and nominations for the position of Major Gift Officer, an opportunity for an accomplished fundraising professional to secure significant philanthropic investments that expand educational access, strengthen workforce development, and advance student success. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Central Piedmont is a nationally recognized leader among two-year institutions and one of the largest colleges in the Carolinas. Central Piedmont serves nearly 60,000 students annually through eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300 programs of study and more than 55 professional pathways to get students real-world ready. The College plays a vital role as the region's primary workforce development partner and a key driver of economic growth. Fiscal Year 2026 was a record-setting year for the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation.

The Foundation

• Raised $21.4 million, its highest ever annual fundraising total
• Provided over $5 million in scholarships to students
• Reported more than $120 million in assets

Major Gift Officer Responsibilities

• Developing individualized strategies for major-gift prospects and donors
• Building the prospect pipeline through research, referrals, events, and community relationships
• Conducting donor visits and preparing proposals, correspondence, briefings, and gift illustrations
• Achieving annual fundraising, donor-engagement, and portfolio-performance goals
• Partnering with institutional leaders, Foundation representatives, faculty, staff, and volunteers on donor meetings and solicitations
• Maintaining accurate donor records and using data to guide strategy and evaluate results
• Supporting campaigns, stewardship programs, special initiatives, and donor-engagement events

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have at least seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including significant major-gift experience and a proven record of successful fundraising. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree; experience in higher education, campaign fundraising, or a comparable portfolio environment; experience managing planned-giving and major-gift prospects; proficiency with fundraising databases, preferably Blackbaud Raiser's Edge; and CFRE certification. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder who can manage multiple prospects, collaborate across the institution, exercise discretion, and clearly articulate Central Piedmont's mission and impact in ways that inspire philanthropic investment.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and will include a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits package.

The preferred start date is late 2026.