Major Gift Officer, Villanova School of Business

PolicyTech•Villanova, PA

18d

About The Position

Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change! Why work at Villanova? Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others. Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum. Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more . Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova. Villanova University is organized in a semi-decentralized model; with College-based development officers supported by central services. The Major Gift Officer assigned to the Villanova School of Business will represent Villanova University and the Villanova School of Business. Primary duties include establishing and managing effective relationships with major donor prospects and existing major donors. The Major Gifts Officer under the supervision of the Senior Director of Major Giving, Villanova School of Business and in conjunction with the Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts – Academics will plan and implement major gift strategies in support of the priorities of the School using operating/work plans and stewardship plans; identify and qualify potential major donors; design and implement successful cultivation and solicitation strategies. The MGO will solicit prospects and identify and motivate those alumni, faculty, volunteers and friends who can advance the development function at the Villanova School of Business, with a focus on constituents on the West Coast. The MGO is expected to conduct 12 prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 125 prospects per year. The MGO will assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects in conjunction with the Director of Stewardship. College-based officers are working with individuals with gift capacity of $100,000 or greater . Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
2-4 years’ experience in fundraising or sales/business development.
Proven successful experience in individual fund raising or related sales/business development experience required.
Experience in dealing with major gift prospects required.
Commitment to higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission required.
Understanding of the University culture and the process for decision making and program development required.
Ability and willingness to travel required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
Comfort level working in a team oriented environment required, but also must be disciplined and result-oriented.
Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of lap top computers, required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify and manage a portfolio of at least 125 major gift prospects which includes primarily individuals and some corporations and foundations with specific affiliation and/or giving interest to the Villanova School of Business.
Establish and manage effective relationships with significant prospects and major donors.
Will plan and implement major gifts strategies using work plans and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors; design and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Conduct 14 prospect visits per month and assume stewardship responsibilities for assigned prospects.
Will establish collaborative and productive relationships with the administration and faculty of the Villanova School of Business and become knowledgeable regarding the School’s priorities, programs, events, etc. in order to advance the interests of the Villanova School of Business and more fully engage alumni, parents and friends. This includes being the liaison between University Advancement and 2-3 VSB Advisory Councils.
In conjunction with the Senior Director of Major Giving, Villanova School of Business assist in coordinating development activities including but not limited to the Annual Fund and Planned Giving.
Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.