Major Gift Discovery Officer

Kent State•Kent, OH

6d•$46,977 - $55,800•Hybrid

About The Position

This position assists in the planning and implementation of Kent State University's strategic donor pipeline program. The role involves engaging donors and prospects to understand their philanthropic interests, cultivating relationships to increase annual support and long-term engagement, and pre-qualifying new prospects. It also aims to re-engage past donors, manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving donors, and identify individuals with the capacity for major gifts. This role serves as a bridge between Annual Giving and Major Gifts, focusing on donor retention, increasing leadership annual giving, and preparing qualified donors for transition to Philanthropic Advisors. The position reports to a designated supervisor in the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a marketing, communications or relevant field
One year of related experience in areas including but not limited to fundraising or sales.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.
Written, verbal, interpersonal communication skills
Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and content management systems
Organizing information and projects; adhering to deadlines
Ability to raise funds
Ability to manage projects
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education fundraising.
Experience using Banner and Moves Management systems.
Master's degree.

Responsibilities

Aid in the execution of a robust discovery program, helping to establish processes and procedures for the handling of prospects that are willing to take a personal visit or call by a Philanthropic Advisor for further engagement, cultivation and solicitation.
Develop, direct and implement pre-qualification strategies for major gift prospects through discovery calls, personal visits, virtual engagement, and email.
Assist in the strategy and execution of solicitations.
Manage a dynamic portfolio of prospects with interests across the university.
Work closely with the Prospect Management team and Philanthropic Advisors to expand the donor base and build a robust pipeline for major gift support for the university.
Collaborate with communications and outreach, annual giving and philanthropic advisors to ensure consistency of fundraising message and to enhance the impact of the overall university campaign.
Identify opportunities and coordinate strategies to broaden the prospect’s relationship with the university through additional engagement with institutional partners.
Maintain data integrity of prospect records, including entering and updating contact entries, next steps, and strategic donor plans and proposals according to established protocols.
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with Portfolio Development to align prospects with their level and area of philanthropic passion.
Monitor prospect qualification results to determine progress towards annual goals; provide regular reports as requested.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Aid in the execution of a comprehensive discovery and mid-level giving program designed to strengthen Kent State University's donor pipeline.
Manage a portfolio of leadership annual giving donors and prospects through personalized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
Solicit annual leadership gifts while identifying opportunities to increase donor engagement and philanthropic investment over time.