Major Gifts Officer (0462U) - School of Information

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Major Gifts Officer to lead fundraising efforts for the School of Information. This role involves managing a diverse portfolio of major gifts, collaborating with campus units to enhance donor strategies, and directing impactful fundraising campaigns. The ideal candidate will possess advanced knowledge of fundraising principles and excellent communication skills, ensuring the achievement of significant financial goals. Join a vibrant community dedicated to equity and social justice, where your contributions will drive innovation and create lasting value. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in higher education.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time for development activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of fundraising and donor relations essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gifts, ensuring $1M raised annually.
• Collaborate with campus units to advance donor strategies.
• Plan and direct large-scale fundraising campaigns.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Public relations

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Confidentiality

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Job description

Major Gifts Officer (0462U) - School of Information

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

Departmental Overview

The School of Information (I School) advances knowledge and practice everywhere humans interact with digital technologies. Through interdisciplinary research and teaching we are committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy. Our faculty conduct research in human-computer interaction (HCI), security and privacy, applied data science, and technology in developing regions.

The UC Berkeley School of Information seeks a passionate, self-motivated, ambitious major gifts officer to design a major gifts program for the School of Information. The successful candidate will be charged with helping design and implement a comprehensive campaign that will address immediate fundraising needs as well as future goals.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 23, 2025 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

1. 50% Manage a portfolio of 100 - 125 major gifts or corporate/foundation relations prospects, with the capacity to give at least $50,000. Make at least 10 - 15 substantive contacts per month. Identify, cultivate, solicit, qualify and/or steward major gift prospects and donors. Ensure that predetermined fundraising goals are met and raise at least $1M annually.
2. 15% Collaborate with colleagues within the I School and in other campus units to advance coordinated strategies for donors and prospects who are interested in multiple campus activities.
3. 10% Plan, organize, and direct large-scale fundraising campaigns which include multiple components.
4. 10% Write proposals for solicitation of individual, corporate, and/or foundation prospects. Evaluate programs using financial feasibility studies and market research.
5. 5% Attend functions, meetings, and serve on internal/external committees as a representative of the campus.
6. 5% Assist in the training and support of key volunteers who assist in advancement efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience and training.
• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Expert level skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations to secure gifts.
• Solid knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc. as it pertains to fundraising and solicitation.
• Advanced written, oral and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Excellent analytical & critical thinking skills that lead to effective decision making and problem resolution.
• Very strong skills in maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrated excellence in strategic planning, critical thinking, problem solving, persuasion/negotiation, and marketing skills.
• Proven experience identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000+.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising for academia or higher education.
• Knowledge of or experience with UC Berkeley's fundraising policies and guidelines.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $109,200 to $158,500 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.