Principal Major Gifts Officer

Buck Institute•Novato, CA

8d•$150,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Major Gifts Officer is a senior individual contributor responsible for driving high-impact philanthropic revenue to advance the Buck Institute for Research on Aging’s mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Advancement Officer, the position identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors capable of making gifts above $250,000. The officer manages a portfolio of 75–100 high-net-worth prospects and donors, including those able to contribute $250,000 to $1 million or more, and guides donors through qualification, engagement, proposal development, solicitation, and long-term stewardship. In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership, the officer develops multi-year fundraising strategies, capital initiatives, and targeted campaigns. The role also leads the promotion of planned giving, including legacy gifts, bequests, and structured gifts, and integrates deferred giving into donor cultivation plans. Working with faculty, scientists, research leadership, executives, and board members, the officer translates complex research priorities into compelling funding opportunities and prepares institutional leaders for donor meetings and events. The position serves as a strategic thought partner, peer mentor, and subject matter expert to the Philanthropy team, mentoring colleagues without administrative or line-management responsibilities. It maintains prospect and proposal pipelines, donor interaction records, and revenue forecasts in the CRM, and uses data and prospect research to qualify and replenish the major-gift pipeline. The officer also partners with Communications and Finance on donor reports and recognition. This is a hybrid position based at the Buck Institute in Novato, California, with four days per week on campus. Regular local travel in the Bay Area and periodic domestic travel of up to 25% are required, as are occasional evening and weekend events. Travel to donor meetings is an essential function. The incumbent must have a valid driver’s license and maintain required automobile insurance or arrange reliable alternative transportation.

Requirements

8–10+ years of progressive major and principal gift fundraising experience.
A proven record of personally securing six- and seven-figure gifts of $250,000 or more from individual donors and private foundations.
Demonstrated understanding of planned giving vehicles and estate-planning strategies, with the ability to structure blended major and planned-gift proposals.
Background in biomedical research institutes, academic medical centers, higher education, life sciences, or complex mission-driven institutions.
Ability to understand, synthesize, and articulate complex biological, clinical, or longevity science concepts for non-scientist philanthropists.
Demonstrated success collaborating with and mentoring colleagues to strengthen team performance and strategic thinking.
Deep proficiency with donor CRM systems, prospect research tools, pipeline analytics, and planned giving vehicles.
Outstanding relationship-building skills, high emotional intelligence, and executive presence when working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and researchers.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance meeting the Institute’s requirements, or reliable alternative transportation.
Ability to travel regularly in the Bay Area and periodically domestically, up to an estimated 25%, and attend occasional evening and weekend events.

Nice To Haves

Bloomerang experience.
CFRE credential.

Responsibilities

Manage a focused portfolio of 75–100 high-net-worth prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $250,000 to $1 million or more.
Lead donors through qualification, engagement, tailored proposal development, solicitation, and long-term stewardship.
Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership to develop and execute multi-year major-gift strategies, capital initiatives, and targeted campaigns.
Conceptualize and promote planned giving strategies, including legacy giving, bequests, and structured gifts, and integrate deferred gifts into donor cultivation plans.
Collaborate with faculty, scientists, and research leadership to translate complex biomedical research into funding proposals.
Prepare, brief, and staff scientists and executive leadership for important donor meetings and bespoke fundraising events.
Mentor junior and mid-level gift officers in prospect strategy, solicitation techniques, and pipeline progression without administrative or line-management duties.
Maintain prospect tracking, touchpoint records, proposal pipelines, and revenue forecasts in the CRM.
Use data and prospect research to qualify and replenish the $250,000+ donor pipeline.
Partner with Communications and Finance to deliver tailored donor reports and recognition.