Major Gifts Officer (Alumni/Development Manager I) #2717

Trident Technical College; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to drive donor cultivation, solicit major gifts, and advance scholarship initiatives aligned with college priorities.

The role involves collaborating with development staff, coordinating sponsorships, and ensuring effective donor stewardship through acknowledgements, reports, and recognition programs. A bachelor's degree with 3 years of related experience is required; a master's is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 3 years of related experience in alumni development, fundraising, prospect research, or business development.
• Master's degree preferred with 2 years major gift fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of planned giving desirable.
• Extensive donor cultivation and relationship management experience.

Responsibilities

• Support fundraising and development efforts by cultivating alumni, donors, partners, and funding organizations.
• Identify, solicit, and develop major gift prospects and stewardship strategies.
• Develop proposals and funding opportunities aligned with donor interests and college priorities.
• Coordinate sponsorship development and assist with campaigns and events.
• Document donor activities and track engagement using Raiser's Edge.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure donor acknowledgements, reports, and recognition programs.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Prospect research

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (Preferred)

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The Major Gifts Officer supports the College's fundraising and development efforts by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, community partners, and funding organizations. This position is responsible for identifying and soliciting major gift prospects, developing stewardship strategies, supporting scholarship initiatives, and advancing philanthropic support for the College and the TTC Foundation.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Collaborate with the Director of Development and development staff to advance the College's major gifts program, scholarship opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and strategic priorities.

Identify, research, qualify, and cultivate prospective major gift donors to increase philanthropic support for the College and TTC Foundation.

Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for current and prospective donors, sponsors, and community partners.

Build meaningful relationships with alumni, individuals, businesses, and community stakeholders that lead to major gift and planned giving commitments.

Develop proposals and funding opportunities that align donor interests with College priorities, programs, scholarships, and strategic initiatives.

Coordinate sponsorship development by identifying prospects, preparing proposals, matching appropriate solicitors, and supporting successful fundraising campaigns and events.

Utilize Raiser's Edge and other development resources to document donor activities, track engagement, evaluate fundraising efforts, and support advancement initiatives.

Collaborate with the development team to ensure effective donor stewardship through acknowledgements, recognition activities, reports, Giving Circles, Legacy Society initiatives, scholarship programs, and special events.

Assist with volunteer engagement, donor cultivation activities, fundraising events, and other development initiatives that support the College's mission and fundraising goals.

Perform other duties as assigned and maintain professional growth and development.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of related experience in an area such as alumni development, fundraising, prospect research, or business development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, plus two (2) years of major gift fundraising experience.
• Basic knowledge of planned giving.
• Knowledge of fundraising and development practices in a higher education environment.
• Experience cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, community partners, and external funding entities.
• Extensive knowledge of college missions, programs, and objectives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge software is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing responsibilities.