Major Gifts Officer

Washington and Lee University • Lexington, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Major Gifts Officers (MGO) are responsible for being knowledgeable of all donors, alumni, parents, and friends in a defined geographic region, making sure a defined broad-based group of prospects based on giving or capability are personally covered by the University or its representatives. The Major Gifts Officer will design, develop, and manage a comprehensive program of focused solicitation strategies to persuasively present the priorities and case for university support and successfully close major gifts of five to seven figures. To achieve its mission as a liberal arts college, the University continually strives to foster a welcoming campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons. University Advancement is committed to contributing to an educational environment that is rich with a wide range of intellectual perspectives and backgrounds.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required.
• Consistently demonstrates strong character and leadership abilities and excellent human relations skills to represent the University effectively with its alumni, parents and other external constituents.
• Must be a passionate, high-energy individual with outstanding skills in management, communication, and team building with a history of success in previous work experience and a desire to work in higher education.
• Two or more years of successful fundraising and/or development experience preferably in a higher education setting.
• A record of achieving ambitious targets and goals is expected.
• Sophisticated interpersonal skills, the ability to listen effectively, and outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Candidates should be organized, able to work collaboratively and strategically, and be a talented motivator of volunteers.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to close six-figure gifts (for consideration as a Senior Major Gifts Officer).
• Experience in higher education (for consideration as a Senior Major Gifts Officer).
• Knowledge of Moves Management principles and donor database systems.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages a portfolio of 150-200 potential donors capable of gifts of at least $100,000.
• Travels extensively to visit with donors and highly rated prospects with defined moves management plans for each prospect after an initial visit.
• Participates in donor prospect strategy sessions.
• Successfully solicits and closes five to seven figure gifts.
• Persuasively presents the University's mission and goals.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and senior administration.
• Other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees