Strategic Advancement Leader - Major Gifts & Campaigns

Ferra Executive Search; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi seeks an accomplished fundraiser to serve as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The role partners with senior leaders to shape a bold philanthropic agenda, grow giving, and inspire generosity across alumni, friends, and supporters.

The ideal candidate brings a track record of securing transformational gifts, strategic planning, and the ability to lead a high‑performing team in a liberal arts context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred for leadership potential and advancement scope.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, and organizational leadership.
• Experience securing major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns is essential.

Responsibilities

• Drive philanthropic growth through ambitious annual and multiyear strategies.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners; manage a 50–75 donor portfolio.
• Build and lead a high-performing fundraising team with clear goals and accountability.
• Provide strategic leadership for annual giving and coordinate with services, alumni engagement, and communications.
• Collaborate with the President, trustees, deans, and senior leadership to set philanthropic priorities.
• Use data and metrics to strengthen donor engagement and measurable results.

Skills

Fundraising

Development

Leadership

Major Gifts

Campaign Management

Donor Relations

Strategic Planning

Advancement Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Salesforce

Job description

Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi seeks an accomplished fundraiser to serve as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The role partners with senior leaders to shape a bold philanthropic agenda, grow giving, and inspire generosity across alumni, friends, and supporters.

The ideal candidate brings a track record of securing transformational gifts, strategic planning, and the ability to lead a high‑performing team in a liberal arts context.