Major Gifts Officer

Central College; Pella (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Central College is seeking a Major Gifts Officer who will work closely with the director of development to execute fundraising strategies. The ideal candidate should have 5-7 years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, and a strong ability to cultivate donor relationships.

This position aims to secure support for campus-wide priorities and participate in all aspects of the gift cycle. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of successful experience in fundraising, preferably with major and/or planned gift fundraising.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of college leadership and major gift donors.
• Must be willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Directly solicit significant gifts for college-wide priorities.
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.
• Maintain general knowledge of current tax laws and planned giving opportunities.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CRM tools

Job description

Description

The major gifts officer will work closely with the director of development and the major gifts team to execute programs and strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni and friends of the college for significant gifts to fund institutional priorities. The primary objective is to develop long‑term relationships built on a firm understanding of donors’ interests, passions, and values. While not required, a fundraising professional with planned giving experience is preferred for this position. This position will be a part of a collaborative team helping to drive the overall success of Central’s fundraising goals, mission, and comprehensive campaign, A World of Good.

• Responsible for directly soliciting significant gifts for college-wide priorities from a portfolio of donors. Must be a highly energetic professional with the ability to build and cultivate donor relationships that will lead to closing significant gifts for the college.
• Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle from initiating contacts, developing cultivation strategies, meeting with assigned donors, soliciting and closing gifts, and maintaining stewardship contact.
• Focus on securing support for campus‑wide priorities including but not limited to student support and experiences on and off campus through annual, endowed, or planned gifts.
• Complete contact reports and other administrative responsibilities in a timely manner. Plan and execute travel in a cost‑efficient manner, maximizing visits and outreach efforts.
• Maintain general knowledge of current tax laws, investments, and planned giving opportunities; use knowledge in prospect cultivation and solicitation as appropriate.
• Participate in events such as Homecoming, commencement, and alumni and donor activities.
• Become proficient in the college’s CRM tool to manage and track donor work and fundraising progress.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of successful experience in fundraising, preferably with major and/or planned gift fundraising in higher education or non‑profit settings.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of college leadership and major gift donors to develop connections and relationships.
• Interest in all aspects of education and dedication to promoting the college’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with faculty, staff, trustees, volunteers, and the advancement team.
• Ability to develop rapport quickly and communicate effectively and assertively with a wide variety of personalities.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Professional attitude and appearance.

Central College Brand Expectations

• Demonstrate a network of caring relationships by showing respect for others, being dependable and promoting cooperation at work.
• Be your best self by being accountable for responsibilities, adapting well to change and maintaining the highest standards of business ethics.
• Perform job responsibilities on campus to support the residential college environment.
• Strive to perform as effectively as possible while maintaining a high level of quality and promoting personal growth and development.
• Respect and comply with college rules and policies, including participation in required training courses; report any suspected violations of the Title IX policy to the Title IX Coordinator.