Major Gifts Officer

Kansas State University Foundation; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

HSA contributions

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Wellness reimbursement

Tuition assistance

Certification assistance

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Kansas State University Foundation is seeking a sales/relationship professional to drive major gift fundraising for the College of Business Administration. You will leverage client management skills: prospecting, presenting proposals, and exceeding goals to engage alumni and donors.

Your role focuses on cultivating long-term donor relationships, traveling regularly for in-person meetings, and collaborating to develop strategies that maximize philanthropic impact.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in metrics-driven roles with a track record of building relationships.
• Experience conducting face-to-face meetings, presenting materials, and closing deals in gifting/fundraising.
• Excellent communication, persuasive presentation, and active listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Proactively reach out to prospects and cultivate donor relationships.
• Present and solicit major gifts ($50,000+) through proposals.
• Manage multiple donor relationships and travel for face-to-face meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop strategies for major gift fundraising.
• Document activities and measure outcomes, stewarding donors at every stage.

Skills

Relationship building

Sales

Account management

Prospecting

Presentations

Communication

Job description

• Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer
• Tuition and certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
• A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
• Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world

Are you a skilled sales professional, account manager, or relationship builder looking to channel your talents into something truly meaningful? At the Kansas State University Foundation, we unite purpose-driven work and pioneering strategy to create careers that matter. Put your people skills and drive to work in major gift fundraising, where you help advance business education, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership development that prepare the next generation of K-State graduates to thrive in a dynamic global economy.

Why Make the Move?

If you thrive in sales, account management, or similar roles, your strengths directly translate to success in major gift fundraising. Here, you’ll leverage those essential client management skills—prospecting, relationship building, presenting proposals, and exceeding goals—to inspire and connect a network of passionate K-State alumni and donors for the College of Business Administration, who are invested in shaping future business leaders, strengthening industry partnerships, and expanding opportunities for students through innovation and experiential learning.

What You’ll Do

• Proactively reach out to potential donors through calls and visits, qualifying prospects and cultivating relationships—just like in sales, but with a focus on legacy, not transactions.
• Strategically present and solicit major gifts ($50,000+) through effective major gift fundraising proposals.
• Manage multiple robust client (donor) relationships and regularly travel to meet face-to-face.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop strategies for meaningful major gift fundraising.
• Keep all activity documented and outcomes measurable, recognizing and stewarding donors at every stage.

Requirements

Bring your success from sales, account management, or client service into an organization where your abilities will shine in major gift fundraising:

• 2+ years of full-time experience in metrics-driven roles, requiring measurable output and a track record of building relationships
• Experience conducting face-to-face meetings, presenting materials, and closing deals—in this case, fostering impactful major gift fundraising partnerships
• Excellent communication, persuasive presentation, and active listening skills
• Drive to meet metrics, self-motivation, and the willingness to work as part of an inspiring and collaborative team

Travel

Regular travel (by plane and car) is necessary to achieve an average of 12-15 in person meetings per month. Those who thrive in our organization embrace the demands of frequent travel. Be prepared for numerous hotel stays (you keep the points!), air travel, and substantial time on the road. Favorite podcast anyone?

Ready for a Career Move with Purpose?

If you’re passionate about building relationships and hitting targets, imagine what you could achieve in major gift fundraising. Transform your sales or account management skills into a rewarding career that changes lives at K-State and beyond.

Join us—apply your talents and ambition to a higher-purpose team that thrives on innovation, impact, and excellence in major gift fundraising.