Major Gifts Officer – University Fundraising & Strategy

Elmhurst University; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Elmhurst University is seeking a Philanthropy Officer or Senior Philanthropy Officer to cultivate donor relationships, manage a major gift portfolio, and advance scholarships, programs, and capital priorities. The role builds tailored engagement and solicitation strategies to secure commitments and strengthen the donor pipeline.

The successful candidate will conduct in-person and virtual meetings, prepare proposals, and collaborate with university leadership and campus partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; fundraising experience preferred.
• Minimum 2 years for Philanthropy Officer; 5+ years for Senior level.
• Ability to build donor relationships and move initiatives forward.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Conduct in-person, virtual, phone, and written communications.
• Develop rapid and strategic moves to advance gifts.
• Prepare briefings, proposals, and solicitation materials.
• Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate donor engagement.
• Maintain documentation in the CRM system and track outcomes.
• Support events and evening/weekend donor activities.
• Travel as needed to meet donors and prospects.

Skills

Donor relationship building

Portfolio management

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Microsoft Office

Prospect management tools

Job description

Elmhurst University is seeking a Philanthropy Officer or Senior Philanthropy Officer to cultivate donor relationships, manage a major gift portfolio, and advance scholarships, programs, and capital priorities. The role builds tailored engagement and solicitation strategies to secure commitments and strengthen the donor pipeline.

The successful candidate will conduct in-person and virtual meetings, prepare proposals, and collaborate with university leadership and campus partners.