Major Gifts Officer

Ohio Wesleyan University; Delaware (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio Wesleyan University is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to manage relationships with donors capable of making philanthropic commitments of $100,000 or more. This full-time role requires developing donor strategies, extensive travel, and meeting fundraising goals. Join a supportive team focused on significant philanthropic impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of development/fundraising/sales experience, preferably in higher education.
• Successful experience with personal solicitation of donors and a strong track record of closing major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Manage and build a portfolio of prospects capable of making major gifts ($100,000+).
• Prepare and present major gifts proposals to alumni, parents, and friends.
• Conduct at least 144 meaningful philanthropy-oriented meetings per year.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Ability to take initiative

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Tools

Standard office software

Job description

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Ohio Wesleyan University, selective, private, undergraduate liberal arts, residential institution founded in 1842 and located just 20 miles north of Columbus, is seeking a candidate for the position of Major Gifts Officer.

This is a salaried, full-time position with benefits.

About us:

Ohio Wesleyan University is a selective, private, undergraduate liberal arts, residential institution founded in 1842 and is located just 20 miles north of Columbus. The University recently completed the Connect Today, Create Tomorrow campaign, raising over $238 million for priorities including: investing in the faculty, student scholarships and financial aid, the OWU Connection, capital improvements and annual giving. The Major Gifts team plays a crucial role in stewarding existing major donors and securing funding for OWU’s strategic priorities, qualifying future prospects for major philanthropy and helping to build the pipeline of philanthropic support for Ohio Wesleyan’s next campaign.

• Strong results and impact: OWU has a track record of philanthropic success led by the Advancement Office, and we look forward to building upon it in our next philanthropic chapter
• We appreciate opportunities to deploy creativity, try new things and collaborate
• Supportive culture that empowers autonomy and facilitates professional growth
• Work life balance isn’t just a catchphrase but a critical component of whole-person development. We work hard and also take opportunities to reset. Ask us about our Halloween contest
• Your efforts will directly contribute to the growth and success of Ohio Wesleyan University and its priorities
  
  

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer will manage relationships with alumni, parents and friends of the University who have the capacity to make philanthropic commitments of $100K or more. Major Gifts Officers at OWU play a crucial role in attracting new, significant philanthropic revenue to the University. The Major Gifts Officer will work independently and manage a portfolio consisting of 75-100 potential donors and assist with other departments across University Advancement (Annual Giving, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations). The Major Gifts team plays a crucial role in stewarding existing major donors and securing funding for OWU’s strategic priorities, qualifying future prospects for major philanthropy and helping to build the pipeline of philanthropic support for Ohio Wesleyan’s next campaign. The role requires significant travel to the assigned territory; additional nights and weekend work will be necessary, as indicated by the Director of Major Gifts.

Duties:

• Manage and build a portfolio of prospects capable of making major gifts ($100,000+) to Ohio Wesleyan
• Move the prospects through the donor engagement process (qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship)
• Prepare and present major gifts proposals to alumni, parents, and friends
• Work closely with colleagues across the campus to set donor strategy with a focus on soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 and above
• Develop and grow relationships with major gift prospects through phone, email, video call and face-to-face meetings. Extensive travel (up to 50%) is required to visit prospects in the assigned geographic territory
• Collaborate with colleagues on key reunion classes, special projects, and the Ohio Wesleyan Fund
• Attend meetings, trainings and events on campus as needed
• Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Major Gifts
  
  

Expectations:

A successful Major Gifts Officer is expected to raise at least $1M per year for Ohio Wesleyan University, within 24 months of starting in the position. This role will find success by focusing on the following activities:

• Actively solicit 18 commitments of $100K or greater each year
• Conduct at least 144 meaningful philanthropy-oriented meetings per year with potential donors
• Conduct at least 30 qualification meetings per year
• Make at least 600 non meeting points of contact (phone, email, mail etc) per year
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of development/fundraising/sales experience, preferably in the field of higher education. Qualified candidates must also be comfortable working independently and developing new relationships with potential donors, some of whom may have limited existing contact with the University. Successful experience with personal solicitation of donors and a strong track record of closing major gifts is ideal.

Preferred Qualifications:

Successful experience with personal solicitation of donors and a strong track record of closing major gifts is ideal. Other qualifications include: the ability for significant travel and to work occasionally on weekends and evenings, strong computer skills, attention to detail, ability to take initiative, excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills and a valid driver’s license.

Completed application packets will include:

• Cover Letter with salary requirements.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• References will be requested for top candidates.
• Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
  
  

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

NOTE: Employment sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Ohio Wesleyan University offers a rewarding place to work! To discover why this should be your next work home, visit our website . Learn more about our benefits at Discover our Benefits . As an equal opportunity institution, OWU has a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We do not discriminate on any basis including: race, religion, color, culture, national origin, sex and/or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, economic barriers, or any other legally protected factor.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Higher Education

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