Associate Director of Development - Major Gifts

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY • Forest Grove, OR

2d • $75,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development – Major Gifts plays a vital role in cultivating and strengthening relationships with a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, with a focus on individuals capable of making gifts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 or more. This field-based position involves frequent travel and direct, in-person engagement with alumni, families, and friends of the university. The primary fundraising priorities include scholarships and other key university initiatives. We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented professional who is inspired by the power of philanthropy and dedicated to advancing the university’s mission. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator and relationship-builder who can thoughtfully engage current and prospective donors, encouraging them to make meaningful, transformative gifts. The Associate Director of Development – Major Gifts will work closely with senior advancement staff to execute strategies that grow the donor base, enhance donor engagement, and increase overall fundraising outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of related professional experience in development and/or fundraising preferably within Higher Education
• Experience with mid-level major gift fundraising, technical proposal writing, and donor stewardship is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors and build meaningful relationships.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize a dynamic portfolio of donor relationships.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Passion for higher education and the impact of philanthropy.
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented, with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to exercise good judgment and a clear understanding of ethics related to development activities.
• Maintains discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
• Upholds a high level of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to University business and confidential prospect information.
• Ability to work independently while also fostering collaboration and teamwork.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-150 mid-level and major gift donors and prospects, with giving capacity of $5,000 to $25,000 or more.
• Ensure consistent stewardship and personalized communication to cultivate long-term, meaningful relationships.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward mid-level donors through personalized strategies that align their philanthropic interests with university priorities.
• Engage donors through a combination of phone, email, and in-person meetings, including regular travel to strategically important regions to build and strengthen relationships.
• Develop and implement solicitation strategies to increase donor support and deepen engagement.
• Collaborate with senior gift officers and advancement staff to prepare proposals, reports, and customized solicitation materials.
• Ensure timely and thoughtful acknowledgment and stewardship of all gifts.
• Contribute to the development of annual plans and goals for mid-level giving, emphasizing donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth.
• Monitor progress toward key metrics, identify growth opportunities, and support efforts to expand the donor pipeline.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and engagement in the fundraising database.
• Ensure data is up-to-date and manage donor records with integrity, ensuring effective tracking of giving history, preferences, and interactions.
• Regularly travel—both in-state and out-of-state—to meet with current and prospective donors.
• Plan and execute visits that are strategically aligned with donor interests and university priorities.
• This includes managing travel logistics, preparing tailored materials, and fostering long-term relationship development through meaningful in-person engagement.
• Work closely with other members of the University Advancement team, including development staff, marketing, and alumni relations, to ensure coordinated efforts and a unified approach to donor engagement.
• Attend and support university events that involve or target donors.
• This includes occasional evening, or weekend work to ensure successful execution of engagement and fundraising activities.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level