Major Gift Officer

Palm Beach Atlantic University•West Palm Beach, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Major Gift Officer manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, focusing on cultivation and solicitation to secure support for the School of Ministry and Palm Beach Atlantic University. This role develops personalized strategies in collaboration with Advancement and School of Ministry leadership, meeting activity metrics for donor meetings, and maintaining donor contact reports in the donor database. This position requires strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a focus on achieving fundraising objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field, required
3+ years’ proven experience cultivating, soliciting, and securing major donor gifts of $10,000+, required
Ability to operate a PBA vehicle, equipment, or transport groups of students, including operating a van, car, golf cart, utility vehicle
Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred.
Theological educational institution experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages a portfolio of approximately 100+ major and potential donor prospects and donors with a goal of developing and nurturing relationships for cultivation and solicitation.
Cultivate churches and ministries for potential partnership opportunities.
Actively participates in Prospect Moves Management meetings to strategize tailored approaches for each donor in collaboration with Advancement leadership, philanthropy consultants, and the School of Ministry.
Meets monthly activity metrics, including in-person (and as needed virtual) visits with prospects and donors for purposes of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Reports on weekly activity through documentation, enters written contact reports interactions into the donor database (Raiser’s Edge); circulates reports and statistics on activity metrics to the internal team weekly and discusses in detail at Prospect Moves Management meetings.
Develops solicitation strategies for donors and prospects that align with the University’s strategic vision and School of Ministry; meeting goals for overall fundraising metrics within the School of Ministry (annual gifts, endowment support, scholarships, planned gifts, etc) and PBA’s annual fund.
Partners with the Advancement team to maximize opportunities within existing campaigns and appeals, ensuring donor solicitation strategies are consistent and integrated specifically for the School of Ministry.
Identifies, cultivates, and pursues philanthropic funding to support the Contextually Engaged Theological Education (CETE) Foundation of South Florida.
Works closely with members of the Advancement department to develop and maintain a detailed plan to cultivate and solicit support to meet goals.
Stays current on major programmatic initiatives and overall University and School of Ministry strategic plans.
Collaborates with the Advancement Communications and Special Events teams to strategize on cultivation events for major donors and prospects.
Provides regular and detailed reports on prospect activities, donor interactions, and tracks progress toward fundraising goals.
Uses data-driven insights to adjust and optimize strategies, ensuring that donor engagement activities meet the University and School of Ministry goals and donor expectations.
Participates in internal and external meetings, providing feedback and discussing strategies for long-term donor cultivation and support.
Develops strong positive relationships within the university community.
Attends the Association of Theological Schools workshops and gatherings for development team members.
Attends and engages in high-level cultivation events, donor recognition programs, and fundraising events to strengthen relationships with current and potential major donors.
Supports event planning efforts, ensuring key donors are included and engaged in university-sponsored events.
Provides personalized stewardship to major donors through tailored communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities, ensuring that donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions.