Senior Major Gifts Officer

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Leadership Giving Officer to manage a donor portfolio capable of $100,000+ gifts. You will craft proposals, solicit major gifts, and collaborate with university leadership to advance fundraising goals.

The role involves traveling to performances and events, conducting 10–12 donor visits monthly, and producing stewardship reports with cross‑department teams. Prior success in major giving and strong communications are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in major or individual giving.
• Advanced knowledge of fundraising and events.
• Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to meet predetermined fundraising goals.
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable philanthropy laws and policies.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of ~150 donors capable of $100,000+.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects.
• Evaluate fundraising approaches using prospect research and data.
• Collaborate with discovery and new philanthropy staff to bring in new donors.
• Write proposals and solicit gifts; coordinate with senior staff and volunteers.
• Maintain relationships with key university donors as primary manager.
• Develop and execute long- and short-term major gift strategies.
• Attend performances and related events to cultivate donors.
• Conduct 10–12 donor visits per month across channels.
• Prepare stewardship reports in collaboration with other teams.
• Contribute to strategic development plans and committee work.
• Support fundraising gala and related donor communications.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Project planning

Confidentiality

Digital tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Tessitura

Salesforce CRM

Job description

Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley seeks a Leadership Giving Officer to manage a donor portfolio capable of $100,000+ gifts. You will craft proposals, solicit major gifts, and collaborate with university leadership to advance fundraising goals.

The role involves traveling to performances and events, conducting 10–12 donor visits monthly, and producing stewardship reports with cross‑department teams. Prior success in major giving and strong communications are essential.