Principal Major Gifts Officer

Buck Institute for Research on Aging; Novato (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California seeks a senior Major Gifts Officer to cultivate and solicit $250K+ gifts, manage a 75–100 prospect portfolio, and lead multi-year fundraising strategies. You will partner with leadership, staff scientists, and donors to advance aging research and scientific discovery.

You will drive complex proposals, staff executive meetings, and steward donors while mentoring junior officers.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of progressive major and principal gift fundraising experience.
• Planned giving expertise and ability to structure blended major and planned gift proposals.
• Background in biomedical research institutes, academic medical centers, life sciences, or similar mission-driven institutions.
• Ability to translate complex biomedical or longevity science into donor-facing narratives.
• Mentorship and collaboration to elevate team performance in philanthropy.
• Technical mastery of donor CRM systems, prospect research tools, and pipeline analytics.
• Interpersonal and executive presence to engage ultra-high-net-worth individuals and trustees.
• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a focused portfolio of 75–100 high-net-worth prospects capable of giving $250K to $1M+ and drive all donor journey stages.
• Design and execute multi-year major gift strategies, capital initiatives, and targeted campaigns regionally and globally.
• Lead planned giving strategy and education for legacy gifts, bequests, and blended gift proposals.
• Collaborate with scientific leadership to craft funding proposals and staff senior leadership for donor meetings.
• Mentor junior and mid-level gift officers in prospect strategies and pipeline progression.
• Maintain rigorous CRM discipline: logging touchpoints, tracking proposals, and revenue forecasting.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Prospect management

Executive presence

Donor relationship management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CFRE credential preferred

Tools

Bloomerang

CRM & analytics

Job description

Position Overview

Join the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, a global leader in the science of aging, as we work to extend the healthy years of human life. The Principal Major Gifts Officer is a senior individual contributor who drives high-impact philanthropic revenue to advance the Buck’s mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer, this role is dedicated to identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors with the capacity to make major gifts above $250,000.

Key Responsibilities

• Major & Principal Gift Solicitations ($250K+): Actively manage a focused portfolio of 75–100 high-net-worth prospects and donors capable of contributing $250K to $1M+. Drive every stage of the donor journey from qualification and engagement to tailored proposal development, solicitation, and long-term stewardship
• Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth: Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership to design and execute multi-year major gift strategies, capital initiatives, and targeted campaigns aimed at expanding principal donor support regionally and globally
• Planned Giving Strategy & Promotion: Lead the conceptualization and promotion of planned giving strategies, educating high-net-worth prospects on legacy giving, bequests, and structured gifts ($250K+) to integrate deferred gifts into overall donor cultivation plans
• Faculty & Scientist Partnership: Collaborate closely with scientific faculty and research leadership to translate complex biomedical research into high-impact funding proposals. Prepare, brief, and staff scientists and executive leadership for pivotal donor meetings and bespoke fundraising events
• Team Mentorship & Peer Collaboration: Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic guide for the broader Philanthropy team. Mentor junior and mid-level gift officers in prospect strategy, solicitation techniques, and pipeline progression without administrative or line‑management duties
• Pipeline Management & CRM Discipline: Maintain rigorous prospect tracking, touchpoint logging, proposal pipelines, and revenue forecasting within the CRM. Utilize data and prospect research to continually qualify and replenish the $250K+ donor pipeline, and partner with Communications and Finance to deliver tailored donor reports and recognition

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 8–10+ years of progressive major and principal gift fundraising experience, with a proven track record of personally securing six- and seven-figure gifts ($250K+) from individual donors and private foundations
• Planned Giving Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of planned giving vehicles and estate planning strategies with a proven ability to structure blended major and planned gift proposals
• Sector Background: Background in biomedical research institutes, academic medical centers, higher education, life sciences, or complex mission-driven institutions
• Scientific Literacy: Ability to comprehend, synthesize, and articulate complex biological, clinical, or longevity science concepts into inspiring narratives for non-scientist philanthropists
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Demonstrated success collaborating with and mentoring colleagues to elevate overall team performance, foster strategic thinking, and build a culture of philanthropy
• Technical Mastery: Deep proficiency with donor CRM systems (Bloomerang experience a plus), prospect research tools, pipeline analytics, and planned giving vehicles
• Interpersonal & Executive Presence: Outstanding relationship-building skills, high emotional intelligence, and the executive presence needed to build trust with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and renowned researchers
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE credential preferred

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Annual compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other job-related factors. The Buck Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) with a 5% employer match.

Location & Travel

This is a hybrid position based at the Buck Institute in Novato, California, with 4 days per week on campus. The role requires regular local travel throughout the Bay Area and periodic domestic travel (estimated up to 25%), including occasional evening and weekend events. Travel to donor meetings is an essential function of this position. The incumbent must have a valid driver’s license and maintain automobile insurance coverage that meets the Buck Institute’s requirements or arrange reliable alternative transportation.

Why Work at the Buck Institute?

Our success will ultimately change healthcare. The Buck Institute aims to end the threat of age-related diseases for current and future generations by bringing together highly capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede the mechanisms of aging.

Located in Marin County, California, the Buck is an independent nonprofit institution dedicated to increasing human healthspan—the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as a pioneer and leader in targeting aging, the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes, the Buck seeks to help people live better, longer.

The Buck Institute is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.