Major Gifts Officer - University Advancement

Azusa Pacific University; Azusa (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

An established university seeks a Major Gifts Officer who will play a pivotal role in securing funding for its priorities. This position involves managing a portfolio of major donors, building meaningful relationships, and implementing effective fundraising strategies. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent communication skills and a proven track record in major gifts fundraising. Join a vibrant and diverse community committed to making a positive impact through education and service. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization while enjoying a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Community engagement events

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience in major gifts fundraising.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100-120 major donor prospects.
• Conduct a minimum of 15 face-to-face donor visits per month.

Skills

Fundraising

Portfolio Management

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

CRM Proficiency

Time Management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Google Apps

Microsoft Office

Job description

APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another.

The Major Gifts Officer is primarily responsible for fundraising for university priorities from current and prospective major gift donors. The Major Gifts Officer will actively manage an assigned portfolio of major donor prospects using a discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and retention model. The Major Gifts Officer will be expected to focus on in-person interactions, involving the clear articulation of APU's mission, vision, and funding priorities.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

Required Experience

• Minimum three years of experience in major gifts fundraising.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Manage an assigned portfolio of 100 – 120 current and prospective major donor prospects, using a discovery, cultivation, solicitation and retention model.
• Build meaningful relationships with assigned prospects/donors, conducting a minimum of 15 face-to-face donor visits per month. Expected that 75% of work time should be spent preparing, communicating, traveling, meeting with donors/prospects, and related follow up work.
• Prepare and implement appropriate major donor strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of both annual and major gifts ($25,000+).
• Develop and incorporate estate planning resources to assist in identifying and garnering planned gift commitments.
• Assist in the prospect research data collection and engagement process as part of the major donor solicitation strategy.
• Attend Advancement and University events (may include evenings and weekends).
• Provide accurate information of all prospect and donor activity in Raiser's Edge, including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation.
• Serve as an APU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality. Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community; demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of APU.
• Regular, punctual attendance as required by the supervisor based on department needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

• Strong self-starter with a positive attitude, and intrinsically motivated.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio and make major gift level asks ($25,000+), involving travel, flexible work schedule involving morning, evening and weekend work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a winsome and relational manner.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of professionals, in a metric and goal driven environment.
• Ability to understand, embrace, and communicate APU's unique mission and character.
• Other necessary characteristics: honesty, responsiveness, follow-through, servant attitude, confidentiality, vision, initiative, drive, and adaptability.

Mental Demands

• Ability to work under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor while multi-tasking in a deadline-oriented environment with accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretionary skills in determining when to act independently and when to consult management prior to taking action.

Physical Demands

• Significant travel in car and planes.
• Requires repetitive motions and sitting at computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Intermittent sitting and standing.
• Able to lift, bend, grasp, reach, lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

Visual Demands

• Reading, writing notes, and computer monitor.

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.

Technologies

• Proficient in CRM such as Raiser’s Edge (preferred), Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.

Compensation

• Grade 17: $91,587 to $105,325 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitivebenefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about'what we believe', our'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here:http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.