Major Gift Officer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA seeks a Major Gift Officer to advance philanthropic priorities by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, and prospects. The role targets gifts of $25,000 and above, coordinating with college deans, faculty, and volunteers to maximize support.

You will identify opportunities, solicit gifts, and steward ongoing partnerships, aligning fundraising initiatives with the university's mission.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to 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 with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Knowledge of development principles, fundraising techniques and ethics.
• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cultivate long-term philanthropic relationships with alumni, donors and prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward private gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Manage major gift fundraising initiatives with college leadership and volunteers.
• Collaborate with giftofficers/development staff to meet funding priorities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Detail orientation

Time management

Ability to travel

Education

Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Major Gift Officer

Department

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT-C/W

Position Number

FP390A

Location

Norfolk, VA

Job Summary

Primary objective is to develop and cultivate long-termphilanthropic relationships with alumni, donors and prospects.Responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation andstewardship of private gifts of $25,000 or more in support ofadvancing the University’s mission. Manages major gift fundraisinginitiatives with respective college dean and faculty, giftofficers/development staff, and volunteer leaders to meet fundingpriorities and maximize philanthropic support for theUniversity.

Position Type

FullTime

Type of Recruitment

General Public

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to effectively build and cultivate donorrelationships and secure gifts at $25,000 and above.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communicationskills.
• Detail oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strategic self-starter and results driven with a collaborative andteam-oriented approach.
• Knowledge of development principles, fundraising techniques andethics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective problem-solver.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to manage change and withstandpressure.
• 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/ortraining that equates to a Master’s degree.
• Considerable experience in fundraising, including individualsolicitation as a development or major gift officer; or equivalentexperience in comparable sales/marketing/client relations will beconsidered.

Preferred Qualifications

None

Job Open Date

07/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Criminal Background Check

The final candidate is required to complete a criminal historycheck.

Equity Statement

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

Reasonable Accommodation Request

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

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other mannerdiscriminate against employees or applicants because they haveinquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay ofanother employee or applicant. However, employees who have accessto the compensation information of other employees or applicants asa part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay ofother employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwisehave access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is(a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtheranceof an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including aninvestigation conducted by the employer, or consistent withcontractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

ODU Statement

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’sforward-focused public doctoral research university with more than23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, anenergetic residential community and initiatives that contribute$2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.