Major Gifts Officer

Maine Central Institute; Pittsfield (ME); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maine Central Institute (MCI) seeks a Major Gifts Officer to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors in a dynamic campaign. You will manage a 125–150 donor portfolio, build authentic relationships, and solicit leadership gifts for the Campaign, Annual Fund, endowment, and special initiatives.

You will report to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and leadership to align donor interests with MCI priorities and impact across campus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or in sales/marketing in the for-profit sector
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to connect authentically with diverse constituents
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 125–150 major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Build authentic, long-term relationships with alumni, family, and friends of MCI through personal outreach, meetings, events, and campus visits.
• Serve as a key ambassador for MCI, articulating the school’s mission, vision, and priorities.
• Personally solicit major gifts in support of the Campaign, Annual Fund, capital projects, endowment, planned giving, and other priorities.
• Partner with Advancement staff and volunteers to coordinate donor strategies and solicitations.
• Assist in identifying proposals, gift agreements, and impact reports.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new major gift prospects.
• Maintain donor records and pipeline activity in Virtuous CRM.
• Analyze giving trends to inform strategy and maximize impact.
• Coordinate with colleagues to connect donors with areas of passion and impact.
• Ensure exceptional stewardship and ongoing communication with major donors.
• Support donor events, alumni engagement, and advancement initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Donor relations

Job description

Maine Central Institute (MCI) is embarking on the largest campaign in the school’s history and seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to help advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the school by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. The MGO will play a key role in building meaningful philanthropic partnerships with alumni, family, and friends of MCI, helping ensure that students continue to thrive in a supportive and innovative learning environment.

Reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on securing leadership-level gifts in support of MCI’s Campaign including Annual Fund, capital priorities, endowment, planned giving, and special initiatives.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Build authentic, long-term relationships with alumni, family, and friends of MCI through personal outreach, meetings, events, and campus visits.
• Serve as a key ambassador for MCI, articulating the school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Personally solicit major gifts in support of the Campaign, Annual Fund, capital projects, endowment, planned giving, and other institutional priorities.
• Partner with the Advancement staff, and volunteer leaders to coordinate donor strategies and solicitations.
• Assist in identifying and preparing proposals, gift agreements, and impact reports.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new major gift prospects.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, and pipeline activity in the school’s CRM, Virtuous.
• Analyze giving trends and donor interests to inform strategy and maximize philanthropic impact.
• Work closely with Advancement Office colleagues, faculty, and leadership to connect donors with areas of passion and impact.
• Ensure exceptional stewardship of major donors, including personalized recognition and ongoing communication.
• Support donor events, alumni engagement efforts, and special advancement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in non-profit fundraising or in sales or marketing in the for-profit sector.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect authentically with diverse constituents.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.
• Passion for education and alignment with MCI’s mission and values.

MCI offers a competitive benefits program including medical, vision and dental plans, disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.