Major Gifts Officer, Columbia College and Arts & Sciences

Columbia University; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York seeks a Major Gifts Officer to manage a portfolio of 150 prospects through the full giving cycle: validation, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship.

The role reports to the Executive Director of Major Gifts within the Office of Alumni Relations and Development and collaborates with university officials, faculty, volunteers, and colleagues to advance fundraising priorities across Columbia College and Arts & Sciences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of fundraising or related development experience.
• Demonstrated success in achieving fundraising goals and managing high-level donor relationships.
• Proven ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and steward alumni and donors to secure major gifts and build the philanthropic pipeline.
• Conducts a minimum of 150 substantive prospect meetings annually to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects.
• Completes a minimum of 15 major gift solicitations, 25 leadership annual fund solicitations, and 10 planned giving conversations annually.
• Maintains regular qualification and discovery meetings to assess interests, giving potential, and involvement opportunities.
• Builds relationships with prospects and volunteers and collaborates with colleagues to implement fundraising strategies.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Columbia Alumni Center
• Salary Range: $125,00 - $135,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Major Gifts, Columbia College and Arts & Sciences, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a key member of a dynamic fundraising team and is responsible for moving a portfolio of 150 prospects through the complete giving cycle: validation, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship.

The Major Gifts team plays a vital role in the fundraising success of Columbia’s undergraduate, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences ecosystem. This position will collaborate with University officials, faculty, the Deputy Vice President for Development, campaign volunteers, and colleagues throughout the Alumni Relations and Development community.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards alumni, parents, and friends of Columbia College and Arts & Sciences, with a focus on securing major gifts and building the philanthropic pipeline.
• Conducts a minimum of 150 substantive prospect meetings annually to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
• Completes a minimum of 15 major gift solicitations, 25 leadership annual fund solicitations, and 10 planned giving conversations annually.
• Conducts regular qualification and discovery meetings with prospects and alumni who have not previously been engaged to assess philanthropic interests, giving potential, and opportunities for involvement.
• Builds and manages relationships with prospects and donors to encourage continued and increased support and participates in events and other engagement opportunities that facilitate meaningful prospect interaction.
• Collaborates closely with Major Gifts colleagues and partners across the University, including faculty, academic leaders, volunteers, and other development professionals, to develop and execute effective fundraising strategies.
• Manages a portfolio that may include both New York-based and regional prospects and requires regular travel for prospect meetings, events, and other development activities.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of prospect activity, strategies, contacts, and outcomes in the University’s advancement database.
• Prepares compelling and customized fundraising materials, including proposals, solicitation materials, briefings, and executive summaries.
• Partners actively with colleagues across the Office of Alumni Relations and Development and the University to advance fundraising priorities, strengthen collaborative relationships, and increase major gift production.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of fundraising or related development experience required.
• Demonstrated success in achieving fundraising goals and managing high-level donor relationships.
• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner is essential.
• Ability to clearly comprehend and communicate the University’s mission and ongoing initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking, and client/customer awareness.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and strong active listening skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Some evening work is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree is preferred.
• Prior experience in a not for profit, or similarly complex organization, preferred.

Other Requirements

• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni Relations and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.