Major Gifts Officer

Lake Forest College•Lake Forest, IL

About The Position

Lake Forest College is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to join the Office of Advancement’s Gift Planning team. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding philanthropic support from a pool of prospects, with a particular focus on Lake Forest alumni. The Major Gifts Officer will collaborate with team members to develop a cultivation strategy for alumni approaching their 50th reunion, which is crucial for the College's upcoming comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience
Five to seven years of Leadership Annual Giving and/or Major Gifts fundraising experience; alumni engagement and fundraising preferred.
Experience with Slate CRM or similar preferred (Razor’s Edge, etc.).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with a diverse campus community and alumni population.
Ability to manage and meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to develop and build authentic relationships with a wide variety of donors, alumni, prospects, and campus partners.
Ability to work collaboratively with Advancement staff and other campus partners.
Ability to match institution’s priorities with interests of donors and prospects.
Basic understanding and enthusiasm for higher education advancement, annual giving, alumni relations, and stewardship.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and steward an assigned portfolio of donors, which could include local and regional travel.
Partner with the Director of Alumni Engagement and the Gift Planning department to develop a multi-year strategy in support of an annual 50th Reunion Class gift tied to each class’s 50th reunion.
Support Reunion volunteers and committee in their support of their class gift efforts.
Develop solicitation proposals and stewardship reports that align with a donor’s interests and investments.
Represent the College and the Office of Advancement at select events, serving as a campus- and community-wide ambassador to uplift the College’s culture of philanthropy.