Major Gifts Officer – Advancement Department

Christendom College; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Christendom College in Front Royal, VA, is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to lead fundraising efforts in Virginia and Washington, DC. The role manages a donor portfolio and drives five- and six-figure gifts to support scholarships, programs, and campus growth.

The officer will oversee regional engagement, cultivate relationships with alumni and friends, and coordinate donor events across assigned territories, including Midwest visits. A strong Catholic mission alignment is essential.

Qualifications

• Active, practicing Catholic committed to the Church’s mission.
• 5–10 years of major gifts fundraising or related roles.
• Ability to build relationships and secure significant commitments.
• Willingness to travel including overnight travel and many evenings and weekends.
• Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 125–150 major donor prospects and current benefactors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts generally at the $5,000+ level, including five- and six-figure commitments.
• Develop and execute individualized engagement strategies for each portfolio constituent, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Conduct a consistent schedule of personal visits (generally 120–150+ annually), including travel within assigned regions.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospects at various stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop new relationships through active networking, event attendance, and by supporting College sponsored regional events.
• Participate in regular meetings with Executive Director of Advancement and Donor Pipeline Manager to develop and execute tailored major gifts strategy.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship management

Travel willingness

Driver's license

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Main Campus - Front Royal, VA 22630

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00

TITLE: Major Gifts Officer (Virginia / Washington, D.C.)

DEPARTMENT: Advancement Department

Classification (FLSA): Exempt, Salary*

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Donor Relations

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) serves as a key member of the Advancement Department major gifts team, responsible for stewarding relationships and securing significant philanthropic support in furtherance of Christendom College’s mission to restore all things in Christ. This role contributes directly to the College’s ability to provide a faithfully Catholic education rooted in the liberal arts, fidelity to the Magisterium, and the formation of students intellectually, spiritually, and morally.

The MGO builds and maintains relationships with a defined portfolio of major donors and prospective benefactors whose interests align with Christendom’s mission and institutional priorities. Through disciplined engagement, solicitation, and stewardship, the MGO facilitates philanthropic investment that sustains and advances the College’s programs, student formation, and long-term growth. The position has primary responsibility for the northern Virginia and Washington, DC region, along with management of select Midwestern regions.

CHIEF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Portfolio Management and Major Gift Fundraising

• Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 125–150 major donor prospects and current benefactors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts generally at the $5,000 and above level, including five- and six-figure commitments.
• Develop and execute individualized engagement strategies for each portfolio constituent, aligning donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Conduct a consistent schedule of personal visits (generally 120–150+ annually), including travel within assigned regions.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospects at various stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop new relationships thorough active networking, event attendance, and through supporting College sponsored regional events.
• Participate in regular meetings with Executive Director of Advancement and Donor Pipeline Manager to develop and execute tailored major gifts strategy.

Regional Responsibility

• Serve as an Advancement representative for Virginia and Washington, DC, maintaining a consistent presence in the region.
• Build and sustain relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the College within the assigned territory.
• Oversee advancement engagement in designated Midwest cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Cleveland including quarterly in-person visits to these territories.
• Support and collaborate with regional alumni and parent leaders, where applicable.

Advancement of Mission

• Communicate clearly and accurately the mission, identity, and priorities of Christendom College, including its commitment to the Magisterium and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
• Present and articulate opportunities for philanthropic support in areas such as student scholarships, academic programs, campus development, and strategic initiatives.

Donor Stewardship and Engagement

• Ensure timely and appropriate follow-up for all donor interactions, including acknowledgments, reporting, and ongoing communication.
• Coordinate meaningful donor engagement opportunities, such as campus visits, interaction with students and faculty, and participation in College events.
• Support the development and delivery of impact reporting that reflects both the academic and spiritual outcomes of donor support.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of donor activity in the College’s CRM system.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Advancement Department and the College’s mission.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time for the needs of the College, but a discussion between the employee and supervisor will take place prior to the change.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• This position must be held by an individual who is an active, practicing Catholic who is committed to the Church’s mission on earth.
• 5–10 years of experience in major gifts fundraising, customer development, or relationship-based roles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships, manage a portfolio, and secure significant financial commitments or comparable outcomes.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including overnight travel and many evenings and weekends.
• Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience in Catholic institutions, apostolates, or higher education.
• Familiarity with donor communities in the Virginia/DC region and/or Midwest.
• Experience with campaign fundraising, planned giving, or complex gift strategies.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL / EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work many evenings and weekends throughout the year.
• Work many overnight trips throughout the year.
• Drive for up to 8 hours a day.
• Fly in an airplane.
• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Show respect to everyone encountered.
• Be calm in stressful situations.