Major Gift Officer

The College of New Jersey • Ewing Township, NJ

9d • $110,000

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and play a key role in advancing the college’s fundraising efforts.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Three to five years of progressive experience in development in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of major gift fundraising in a college setting. Demonstrated successful experience in major gift development including a strong track record in devising strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors.
• Strong organizational, oral and written communication skills. Sound experience in developing written proposals in support of institutional priorities.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in working independently in the management of a portfolio of a of 100+ prospects and donors utilizing a moves management process.
• Knowledge of computer database systems.
• Demonstrated skill and experience with independent judgment and initiative.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management. Cultivates and maintains relationships with a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors through regular meetings, calls, emails, and events. Conducts discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities to advance donors through the giving cycle.
• Solicitation & Proposal Development. Identifies giving opportunities aligned with institutional priorities and donor interests. Prepares and presents compelling proposals, gift agreements, and case statements. Coordinates solicitation strategies with colleagues and leadership to secure major commitments.
• Strategic Collaboration with college Leadership & Faculty. Partners with deans, faculty, and administrators to understand institutional needs, programs, and initiatives. Participates in strategy meetings to align donor interests with College priorities. Coordinates campus visits, donor briefings, and leadership introductions.
• Stewardship & Donor Engagement. Ensures donors receive personalized stewardship reports, recognition, and follow-up. Collaborates with Advancement Services to deliver impact reports, acknowledgment letters, and event invitations. Tracks donor engagement to foster long-term relationships.
• Database Management & Documentation. Records all contacts, strategies, proposals, and outcomes in Raiser’s Edge (RE) in a timely and accurate manner. Participation in Advancement & Campaign Initiatives. Contributes to campaign planning and goal setting. Attends department meetings, professional development sessions, and campus events. Supports special fundraising initiatives, events, and volunteer engagement efforts as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees