Major Gifts Officer

The Episcopal Academy; Newtown Square (Delaware County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Episcopal Academy seeks a relationship-centered Major Gifts Officer to design and execute donor strategies that align passions with the school’s priorities. You will manage a large portfolio, secure six- and seven-figure gifts, and collaborate across the Advancement team to deliver a personalized donor experience.

Based on our Newtown Square, PA campus, this on-site role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least five years in advancement or fundraising.

Qualifications

• Proven success securing major gifts in six- and seven-figure ranges.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Strategic, disciplined approach to prospect moves and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 75–120 high-capacity prospects and donors.
• Secure six- and seven-figure gifts across annual, capital, and endowment priorities.
• Design multi-year engagement strategies across the donor lifecycle.
• Develop proposals, concept papers, and gift agreements.
• Collaborate on portfolio strategy and pipeline development with leadership.
• Coordinate with Advancement teams to ensure a seamless donor experience.
• Utilize data and insights to inform strategy and forecast progress.
• Represent Advancement at donor events and school programs.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relationship

Storytelling

Strategic fundraising

Moves management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Who You Are

The Episcopal Academy seeks a relationship-centered, strategic, and collaborative Major Gifts Officer to help shape and sustain an evergreen culture of philanthropy. As a trusted advisor to donors and a thought partner to institutional leaders, you will design and execute individualized strategies that align donor passions with The Episcopal Academy's most ambitious priorities.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Advancement, Major Gifts, you will manage your work with significant autonomy while collaborating closely across the Advancement team. This role is ideal for a fundraiser who is motivated by building something enduring rather than simply closing transactions - bringing rigor, creativity, and sound judgment to your work. You are fluent in storytelling and deeply committed to delivering a thoughtful, personalized, mission-centered donor experience.

What You Will Do

• Manage a portfolio of 75 - 120 high-capacity prospects and donors.
• Secure six- and seven-figure gifts supporting annual, capital, and endowment priorities.
• Design and execute multi-year engagement strategies across the full donor lifecycle.
• Develop compelling proposals, concept papers, and gift agreements.
• Partner with Advancement leadership on portfolio strategy and pipeline development.
• Collaborate with Advancement Services, Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Stewardship to ensure a seamless donor experience.
• Use data and qualitative insights to inform strategy and forecast progress.
• Represent Advancement at donor events, school programs, and community gatherings.

About You

You are a bold, relational fundraising professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. You bring a strong record of securing major gifts and know how to build authentic, long-term relationships rooted in trust and transparency. You excel at donor engagement, communicate with clarity and purpose, and thrive in a mission-driven environment that values collaboration, innovation, and thoughtful urgency.

• Proven success securing six- and seven-figure major gifts.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and storytelling skills that inspire generosity.
• Strategic, disciplined approach to prospect and moves management.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment while collaborating across teams.
• Growth mindset with openness to feedback, learning, and evolving best practices.

Interested candidates should include a cover letter with their application. This position is based on our Newtown Square, PA campus and requires on-site work, regional travel, and occasional evening or weekend events. A bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in advancement work or related fundraising work are required.

About The Office Of Institutional Advancement

The thirteen-person Advancement team at The Episcopal Academy is a collaborative, mission-driven group that fosters a culture of philanthropy grounded in gratitude, stewardship, and authentic relationships. Our efforts directly support students, faculty, and programs that shape the Episcopal experience-from financial aid and faculty development to athletics and the arts. Recent milestones that highlight both the generosity of our community and the strength of our Advancement program include:

• Completion of a $123 million comprehensive campaign, including $75 million for endowment.
• $2.77 million raised for the Episcopal Fund in FY25 from over 1,800 donors.
• More than $6 million raised through EITC/OSTC in FY25 to support financial aid.
• Endowment surpassing $160 million, securing long-term sustainability.

About Us

Located 16 miles outside of Philadelphia, The Episcopal Academy offers competitive salary and benefits; employer retirement plan match; generous paid time off; excellent work/life balance; access to ongoing professional development; complimentary lunch during the school year; and use of campus facilities, including library and fitness center.

Skills

• Be student-centered, embrace school life, and show it through actions and interactions with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Embody and live The Stripes.
• Consistently maintain high work standards and motivate others to achieve the same standard of excellence.
• Demonstrate a desire and willingness to constantly grow and learn, both personally and professionally, and see others, especially students, as having the ability to learn and reach success.
• Demonstrate a belief in and commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse school community.
• Foster a positive culture by being optimistic, selfless, flexible, and collaborative.

Position start date: Immediately

Application deadline: Until Filled

The Episcopal Academy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and familial affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. We seek candidates who hope to help foster a school environment where all people are valued and where all perspectives are respected and appreciated.