Major Gifts Officer

Cal Alumni Association•Berkeley, CA

20d•$150,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) plays a key role in driving philanthropic revenue growth and advancing the mission of the Cal Alumni Association (CAA). This strategic and experienced fundraising leader will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Board, and senior management team to cultivate transformational relationships with high-capacity alumni and donors. At a moment of strategic expansion and opportunity, the Major Gifts Officer will build and manage a focused portfolio of major gift prospects capable of six- and seven-figure commitments. This role focuses on deepening engagement with CAA’s global alumni network to secure the visionary philanthropic support needed to scale alumni programs, expand scholarship impact, and strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability. The Major Gifts Officer is ultimately responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors whose investments will create lasting impact for current and future generations of Cal alumni and students. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and works in close partnership with Board members, and program leaders to align major gifts strategies with CAA’s strategic priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree or CFRE preferred).
8–12+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with at least 5–7 years focused on major gifts solicitation and relationship management.
Proven track record of personally closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
3+ years of experience building, scaling, and leading a major gifts team.
Deep passion for the Cal Alumni Association’s mission and the ability to articulate its impact with authenticity and inspiration.
Experience in a fast-growing nonprofit or during a capital campaign.
Proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar) and moves management processes.
Bay Area philanthropic network or willingness to build one.
Exceptional relationship-builder and storyteller with high emotional intelligence.
Strategic thinker who translates mission into donor opportunities.
Results-oriented leader who thrives on ambitious goals and measurable impact.
Collaborative, resilient, and mission-driven.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree or CFRE

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive, data-driven strategies to identify, qualify, and cultivate a robust pipeline of major gift prospects and donors.
Build and manage a focused portfolio of high-capacity prospects, leading personalized discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
Partner with the Executive Director, Board, and senior leadership to co-create compelling cases for support that connect donors’ passions with CAA’s mission and strategic goals.
Contribute to organization-wide philanthropic planning, including integration with capital campaigns, multi-year commitments, and alignment with revenue-generating business units.
Cultivate deep, trust-based relationships with alumni, parents, and friends capable of transformational gifts, leveraging CAA’s global network of over 500,000 UC Berkeley graduates.
Craft and deliver personalized proposals and impact reports that demonstrate how major gifts drive meaningful outcomes in scholarships, alumni programs, and signature initiatives.
Collaborate cross-functionally with program teams (scholarships, travel, magazine, Lair of the Bear, etc.) to ensure seamless donor experiences and transparent stewardship.
Serve as a key thought partner to the senior management team and Board on philanthropic trends, donor insights, and strategies for sustainable revenue growth.
Mentor and collaborate with development colleagues to elevate overall advancement efforts and foster a culture of excellence in major gifts fundraising.
Track and report on portfolio performance, pipeline health, and gift outcomes to leadership and the Board.

Benefits

CAA offers an excellent health care and supplemental benefits packages, 403(b), a generous paid time-off benefit, and more.
CAA employees are required to contribute 10% of their total medical premium for the employee and 20% for any eligible dependents.
CAA pays 100% of the premiums for Dental and Vision benefits for the employee and any eligible dependents.
Vacation: 16 days/year for first 2 years of service, 18 days/year after completing 2 years of service, 21 days/year after completing 5 years of service.
Sick time: 12 days/year
Holidays: 11 total per year
Paid time off between Dec 26 and Dec 31
Birthday Holiday: 1 Day off
As affiliates to UC Berkeley, CAA employees are eligible to participate in many of the on-campus professional development workshops, seminars and professional networks available to UCB employees.
CAA has a partnership with UC Berkeley Extension that offers our employees a discount on enrollment fees.
403(b) retirement savings plan with a company match
Supplemental Insurance with 100% of premiums paid by CAA: Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, LTD Insurance
Option to purchase supplemental insurance plans from AFLAC
If you’re a commuter, consider taking advantage our pre-tax public transit commuter benefit. You can load your Clipper Card or pay public transit fare with pre-tax dollars.
Cal Bear Pass: Take advantage of UCB’s partnership with AC Transit. The partnership offers a cost savings of up to 70% off the standard monthly bus pass rate! CAA employees are eligible to purchase an AC transit pass at the faculty/staff discount rate with pre-tax payroll deductions.
UCB Campus Parking Permit: As affiliates to UCB, our CAA employees are eligible to purchase a campus parking permit at the faculty/staff discount rate with pre-tax payroll deductions.
Eligible to join the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) at the Faculty/Staff discount rate
Special campus events
Free admission to the University Art Museum
Discount tickets for Cal Performances, Pacific Film Archive, and Hertz Hall
AirBears: wireless internet access on campus