Major Gift Officer

Indiana Wesleyan University•Marion, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Major Gift Officer advances Indiana Wesleyan University's mission by building and stewarding lifelong relationships that foster transformational and sustainable impact. The role identifies prospects, cultivates relationships, and invites and secures financial gifts. The officer manages a portfolio of 70–90 major gift prospects and collaborates with university leadership, administrators, faculty, coaches, staff, and students to advance fundraising strategies. The position is based primarily at the IWU campus in Marion, Indiana, and requires travel up to 50% of the time. The officer may need to work nights and weekends to fulfill portfolio and management responsibilities and participate in major- and planned-gift events. Employees must demonstrate a strong Christian commitment, adhere to the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement, and support the mission and practices of The Wesleyan Church.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least three years of experience developing and securing gifts of five figures and above.
Competence and productivity in developing relationships that yield major gifts.
Understanding of planned-giving methods and their benefits to different types of donors.
Exceptional writing, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills.
Primary office based at the IWU campus in Marion, Indiana.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time and work nights and weekends as needed.
Strong Christian commitment and adherence to the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ability to embrace and articulate IWU's mission and be in harmony with the doctrines and practices of The Wesleyan Church.

Nice To Haves

Earned master's degree.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 70–90 major gift prospects and invite and secure major gifts.
Build meaningful relationships with prospects and donors and encourage support for the university's mission and vision.
Connect prospects and donors with IWU presidents, administrators, faculty, coaches, staff, and students.
Personally present written proposals for major gifts.
Develop and implement personalized donor stewardship plans.
Record prospect and donor activity in Slate, including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation.
Develop and incorporate estate-planning resources to identify and secure planned-gift commitments.
Meet regularly with leadership to collaborate and strategize.
Meet with IWU administrators, faculty, coaches, and staff to build relationships, gain insights, and establish partnerships that advance University Advancement strategies.
Participate in university and University Advancement events to understand the breadth and depth of an IWU education.
Represent IWU with integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality, and maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community.
Demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with IWU's values and foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit across the IWU community.
Complete other tasks as assigned.