Major Gift Officer

The Rivers School•Weston, MA

7d•$90,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Rivers School is seeking a full-time Major Gift Officer who will be responsible for developing strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward long-term relationships with key donor prospects. Through face-to-face solicitations, the frontline fundraiser will generate revenue from major, capital, annual and planned gifts. This position will be pivotal in Rivers’ comprehensive capital campaign in support of the School’s newly developed strategic plan. As an integral member of the frontline team, the Major Gift Officer will manage a portfolio of leadership prospects and help secure the philanthropic support necessary to achieve the campaign’s ambitious goals. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with school leadership, colleagues, and volunteers to build momentum and advance the campaign’s priorities. These efforts will enhance the overall experience of Rivers’ students, parents and caregivers, and professional community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
At least three to five years of fundraising or transferable experience, preferably in an educational setting.
Demonstrated record of fundraising success.
Exceptional writing and communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
High level of fluency with Raiser’s Edge NXT, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, multi-task, and work with many people on different projects—from administrators, professional community members, volunteers, parents/caregivers, and alumni.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Must be a collegial, flexible, and collaborative team player.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

An understanding and appreciation of independent schools is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned portfolio of approximately 80 prospects, who have the capacity to give $100,000 or more through identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects for annual, major, and planned gifts, as well as successfully meet departmental metrics and annual goals.
Participate in the development of overall fundraising strategies, as well as prepare written and oral presentations and proposals.
Participate and manage all aspects of building donor relations and solicitation of gifts.
Assist the Director of Development in managing the planned giving program with annual goals for growing the number of members in the Robert W. Rivers Society.
Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to solicit top annual fund gifts.
Ensure donors are appropriately thanked and stewarded by the office.
Establish and build relationships with the professional community to better represent the school.
Other duties as assigned with night and weekend work on occasion.