Major Gift Officer

Old Dominion University; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University in Norfolk seeks a Major Gift Officer to develop and cultivate long-term philanthropic relationships with alumni, donors and prospects. The role focuses on private gifts of $25,000 or more to advance the University's mission.

You will identify, solicit and steward gifts, collaborating with college deans, development staff and volunteers, while traveling as needed and working occasional nights or weekends.

Qualifications

• Ability to build donor relationships and secure gifts at $25,000+.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strategic self-starter with collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Knowledge of development principles, fundraising techniques and ethics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to manage change and withstand pressure.
• Initiative, creativity and resourcefulness.
• Ability to travel and work nights/weekends.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Extensive fundraising experience including donor solicitation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cultivate long-term philanthropic relationships with alumni, donors and prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts of $25,000+ to advance the University's mission.
• Collaborate with college deans, development staff, and volunteers to meet funding priorities.

Skills

Donor relationships

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Self-starter

Fundraising knowledge

Independent & team

Problem solving

Adaptability

Initiative & creativity

Travel evenings/weekends

Driver’s license

Advanced degree requirement

Fundraising experience

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

• Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty Applicants:
• Contact Human Resources at:
  [phone]
  [e-mail]
• Teaching and Research Faculty Applicants:
• Contact Academic Affairs at:
  [e-mail]

Major Gift Officer

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Primary objective is to develop and cultivate long‑term philanthropic relationships with alumni, donors and prospects. Responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of private gifts of $25,000 or more in support of advancing the University’s mission. Manages major gift fundraising initiatives with respective college dean and faculty, gift officers/development staff, and volunteer leaders to meet funding priorities and maximize philanthropic support for the University.

Position Type

Position Type FullTime

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment General Public

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to effectively build and cultivate donor relationships and secure gifts at $25,000 and above.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strategic self‑starter and results driven with a collaborative and team‑oriented approach.
• Knowledge of development principles, fundraising techniques and ethics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective problem‑solver.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to manage change and withstand pressure.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity and resourcefulness.
• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with experience and/or training that equates to a Master’s degree.
• Considerable experience in fundraising, including individual solicitation as a development or major gift officer; or equivalent experience in comparable sales/marketing/client relations will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

None

Conditions of Employment

Job Open Date 07/27/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Criminal Background Check

Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at [phone].

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward‑focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Contact Information for Professional References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

If you have questions: Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty applicants, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] . Teaching and Research Faculty applicants, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [e-mail] .