Major Gift Officer

Cornerstone University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone University is seeking a Major Gift Officer to enhance the university's funding through relationship building with donors. This role includes developing a portfolio of major gift prospects, spearheading engagement initiatives, and collaborating with various stakeholders to support the university's mission. Ideal candidates are passionate about Christian values and possess strong skills in donor management and communication. The position is vital for sustaining the university's strategic priorities and cultivating a vibrant Christian community.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in fundraising or development.
• Success in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.
• Ability to communicate the value of Christian higher education.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects.
• Develop community relationships to secure financial support.
• Meet annual goals for fundraising revenue and donor engagement.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relationship management

Communication

Organizational skills

Listening

Storytelling

Technological proficiency

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

REPORTS TO: Vice President for University Advancement

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University seeks a dynamic and mission-driven Major Gift Officer to build and steward meaningful relationships with individuals, businesses, and organizations that will significantly invest in the university's mission and strategic priorities. These include support for the Cornerstone Student Fund, WCSG Radio, capital projects, endowed funds, scholarships, and other school-related special initiatives. This position will play a critical role in advancing the mission of Cornerstone University through personal engagement with major donors and prospects. All activities will be anchored in the university’s Christ-centered mission and Biblical foundation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.

Develop and manage relationships in the community and beyond to secure financial support for the university’s key funding priorities.

Facilitate personalized recognition and stewardship efforts to retain and deepen donor engagement.

Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to remain informed of university priorities and translate them into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Meet or exceed annual goals for fundraising revenue and donor engagement activities.

Participate in the planning and execution of advancement campaigns, events, and strategic initiatives.

Draft and support proposal and presentation materials aligned with Cornerstone’s communication standards.

Accurately track and maintain donor interactions and pipeline activity in the university’s CRM database.

Collaborate with Planned Giving Officer to Incorporate planned giving strategies, including estate gifts and non-cash donations, with donors interested in legacy giving.

All Cornerstone University employees will regularly interact with students in a variety of projects, activities, and settings. As such all employees are expected to serve as Christian leaders and mentors by effectively living a gospel-centered lifestyle, ministering and discipling through a biblical worldview.

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Three to Five (3-5) years progressive experience in fundraising, development, or a related field.

Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships or related experience.

A passionate belief in the value of Christian higher education and the ability to effectively communicate that value to potential donors.

Knowledge of best practices in fundraising and donor stewardship.

Extraordinary social, people, and communication skills, including strong listening and storytelling abilities.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

High level of personal and professional integrity and ethical standards.

Ability to articulate the case for support so that individuals invest in the mission and grow in their passion for CU.

Technological proficiency, including CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Willingness and ability to travel regularly.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”

Alignment with and commitment to Cornerstone University’s Core Commitments:

The Cornerstone Christian Worldview

The Cornerstone Academic Vision

The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community

The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.