Major Gifts Leader, Development & Stewardship

Chapman University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking an Associate Director of Development to join the University Advancement team and lead major gift efforts. You’ll manage a frontline portfolio, building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors and friends, while partnering with deans and campus leaders to align philanthropic opportunities with student success and academic priorities.

This role offers regionally-based donor engagement, travel as needed, and a focus on transforming philanthropy to support

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in major gifts or donor relations.
• Knowledge of the major gift fundraising cycle and processes.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong donor relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and portfolio management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 120-150 major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and execute strategies for donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with deans and university leaders to identify and advance philanthropic opportunities.
• Prepare and present compelling major gift proposals.
• Travel regionally to engage alumni, parents, donors, and supporters.
• Achieve annual fundraising goals and key performance metrics.
• Collaborate across University Advancement to create integrated donor engagement strategies.

Skills

Major gifts experience

Donor relationships

Communication skills

Organization

Independence

Job description

Chapman University is seeking an Associate Director of Development to join the University Advancement team and lead major gift efforts. You’ll manage a frontline portfolio, building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors and friends, while partnering with deans and campus leaders to align philanthropic opportunities with student success and academic priorities.

This role offers regionally-based donor engagement, travel as needed, and a focus on transforming philanthropy to support