Leadership Gift Officer

West Point Association of Graduates•West Point, NY

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) is seeking a Leadership Gift Officer to serve as a lead front-line fundraiser within its Development Team. This role is responsible for the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area and requires the selected candidate to reside within this geographic region. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Major and Leadership Gifts, the incumbent will solicit leadership gifts (at least five-figures) from alumni and non-alumni friends. The position involves maintaining relationships with 150 prospects and donors capable of making annual gifts of $10,000 or more, managing all phases of the gift cycle, and collaborating with the development team and volunteer alumni leaders. The Leadership Gift Officer must be knowledgeable about the funding needs of the Academy and WPAOG, advocate for priorities, and be able to present various gift vehicles, including planned giving. Soliciting Annual and Class Gifts from managed prospects is also a responsibility. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential, as is a goal-oriented mindset suited for a competitive yet collegial environment. The role requires extensive travel (40%-50%) and occasional weekend availability. Proficiency with CRM software for fundraising tracking is mandatory.

Requirements

Must reside within the assigned geographic region (DMV area).
Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Goal-oriented and enjoy a competitive, but collegial, environment.
Willing and able to travel extensively to meet prospects and donors (40%-50% of time).
Available for occasional weekend duty as required.
Comfort with the use of CRM software that tracks fundraising activities, as well as the technology that supports it.
Thorough knowledge of fundraising or have relevant and transferable skills in a related field.
A Bachelor’s Degree is required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of capital giving programs and planned giving vehicles is desired.
Advance degrees are a plus.
Three to five years of experience in fundraising.
Familiarity with USMA and the Army is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead front-line fundraisers on the Development Team.
Be responsible for the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area of the continental United States.
Solicit leadership gifts (at least five-figures) from alumni and non-alumni friends.
Maintain relationships with 150 prospects and donors with the capacity to make annual gifts at $10,000 and higher.
Manage all phases of the gift cycle (identifying, qualifying and evaluating, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding) with assigned prospects and donors.
Work closely and collaboratively with other members of the development team.
Engage with key volunteer alumni leaders and natural partners in cultivation and solicitation efforts.
Become fully versed about the funding needs of the Academy and WPAOG and energetically and effectively advocate for those priorities.
Offer the range of gift vehicles available to donors, to include planned giving vehicles whenever appropriate.
Solicit Annual and Class Gifts from the prospects that he or she manages, when appropriate.