Major Gift Officer

Bryant University; Smithfield, Northern (RI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bryant University seeks a Major Gift Officer to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors among alumni, parents, and friends. The officer will engage prospects, tailor giving opportunities to needs, and assist donors in making gifts of $25,000 or more; significant travel is required.

This private New England university, guided by Vision 2030, emphasizes academic excellence and ROI. The role reports to the Assistant Vice President for Development and includes developing annual plans,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred.
• 7–10 years in fundraising and capital campaigns, preferably in higher education.
• Experience recruiting, motivating and managing volunteers in fundraising.
• Knowledge of blended and planned gift solicitations.
• Ability to plan strategically; detail-oriented; manage multiple projects.
• Proven track record in soliciting major gifts of $25,000+.
• Travel and non-standard hours required.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a strategic annual plan focused on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parent and friend leadership giving prospects within the assigned portfolio, through personal visits, correspondence, events, etc.; regular travel required.
• Develop prospect cultivation strategies, determine opportunities and gift levels; report activities and input data in the Development database.
• Meet goals for prospect visits and dollars raised and other performance metrics.
• Recruit and manage volunteers and assist them in fundraising assignments.
• Maintain knowledge of planned giving arrangements and tax laws; collaborate with the Planned Giving Officer on blended gifts.
• Motivate and collaborate with staff to meet goals while ensuring compliance with diversity and EEO/AA guidelines.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Communications skills

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Job description

This position is accountable for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors among Bryant’s alumni, parents, and friends. The ability of the officer to engage potential contributors, determine their interests and match them to the needs of the University, and assist these individuals in making gifts of $25,000 or more, will be critical to Bryant’s success in the coming years.
While local candidates are encouraged to apply, qualified applicants residing in Maryland or Florida will also be considered for remote work.

Bryant University is a private New England university with a tradition of innovation and a global vision for success. Our new strategic plan, Vision 2030 , sets a trajectory for the next decade through academic excellence, outstanding student life, competitive athletics and student outcomes among the nation’s top 1% for ROI .

Principal Accountabilities

• Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President, Development, the Major Gift Officer is responsible for the design and implementation of a strategic annual plan focused on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parent and friend leadership giving prospects within their assigned prospect portfolio (200 prospects including alumni, parents and friends of the University), through personal visits, correspondence, attendance at cultivation events, etc. Requires regular travel to manage portfolio of assigned prospects.
• Participate in developing appropriate prospect cultivation strategies, determining potential giving opportunities and optimal gift levels; provide regular reports of all activities through designated reporting methods and inputting information in Development’s database.
• Meet assigned goals for prospect visits and dollars to be raised, as well as other performance metrics, to be determined annually.
• Recruit and manage assigned volunteers and assist them in their fund-raising assignments.
• Maintain knowledge of planned giving arrangements, pertinent tax laws and other factors that will impact and facilitate donors’ ability to make substantial gifts. Collaborate closely with Bryant’s Planned Giving Officer to ensure prospects are able to achieve their philanthropic goals though planned and/or blended gift options.
• Effectively motivate and collaborate with staff to work as a team in meeting all individual and Departmental goals and ensuring that practices are in compliance with the spirit and intent of the University’s policy on diversity and EEO /AA guidelines.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

This position is best filled by an individual with an undergraduate degree, advanced degree preferred; 7 – 10 years of demonstrated success in fund raising and capital campaigns, preferably in a higher education setting; experience in recruiting, motivating and managing volunteers in successful fund raising efforts; knowledge of and success in devising blended and planned gift solicitations; ability to plan and think strategically; detail-oriented, but able to manage multiple projects simultaneously; strong interpersonal, writing and communications skills. Requires a proven track record is soliciting major gifts of $25,000 or more. Microsoft Office Suite and CRM Advance experience is a plus. Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities. Travel and non-standard hour are required.

At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.

Physical Capacities

Posting Number

Posting Number STA02697

Work Hours

This is a full-time position with competitive salary and excellent benefits. While local candidates are encouraged to apply, qualified applicants residing in Maryland or Florida will also be considered for remote work.

Open Date

Open Date 05/29/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Letter(s) of Recommendation

Office of Human Resources
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02918