Major Gifts Officer

 MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER  

OUR MISSION

Gilman is a diverse community dedicated to educating boys in mind, body, and spirit through particular emphasis upon academic excellence, athletic participation, and aesthetic appreciation. Gilman seeks to produce men of character and integrity who have the skills and ability to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work. 

OUR COMMITMENT

 Educating the Whole Boy

For more than a century, Gilman’s mission has remained exceedingly focused: to unlock the greatness within each boy by educating the entire boy — mind, body, and spirit. To accomplish that goal, we provide space and opportunity for crucial learning and self-expression to take place. We believe that boys experience transformative learning when they connect disciplines, people, and ideas in ways that deepen their sense of self and serve the needs of others. 

Our rich and comprehensive program, our immeasurably talented and interesting faculty and students, and our belief in the character traits embodied by the Gilman Five — Honor, Integrity, Respect, Humility, and Excellence — combine to form the foundation of an educational environment dedicated to helping boys grow into men of character.

Community, Inclusion, and Equity

Gilman’s commitment to community, inclusion, and equity is founded on the belief that our community is strengthened by the vibrant exchange that occurs when individuals with different backgrounds and heritages share their perspectives with one another. Through the recognition and acceptance of our many differences, we learn to appreciate and respect the complexity of the world in which we live and develop essential skills that help us forge productive relationships with those around us.

We are proud of our history as a school that has, for several generations, taken the lead on matters of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Gilman students and faculty come from many different backgrounds: 41% of students and 22% of faculty identify as people of color. We continue to build on that legacy through our steadfast commitment to inclusion and equity initiatives on local, state, and national levels.

OUR SCHOOL

Gilman School is a pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade private independent day school for boys. Set on a 57-acre campus in the northern part of Baltimore City, Gilman serves roughly 1,000 students in three divisions. The School has a full-time faculty of nearly 140, and the average class size is 16 students.  

POSITION SUMMARY: 

A member of the Advancement Team, the Major Gifts Officer plays a key role in helping to secure annual fund, capital, and endowment support for Gilman School, which is increasingly important as Gilman enters a comprehensive, five-year initiative focused on facility needs. The position’s primary responsibilities include managing a portfolio of 100-plus donors and executing effective strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward five- to seven-figure gifts. Additional responsibilities involve the identification of individuals to help grow the School's donor base, which is increasingly diverse and widespread geographically. The Major Gifts officer will report to the Assistant Head of School for Advancement. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 

• Quickly develop a comprehensive understanding of Gilman School’s programs and funding priorities.

• Attend on- and off-campus Gilman events at which donors and prospective donors will be in attendance, including some that take place on nights and weekends.

• Manage a portfolio of 75-plus donors, including alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of the School.

• Build relationships with prospects/donors throughout the year, seeking to make significant contact with each through visits, letters, email, and phone.

• Conduct at least 12-15 prospect visits per month targeting 150 visits per year; include other Gilman representatives as appropriate.

• Help determine donor interests and direct them to areas of greatest priority at Gilman. This includes The Gilman Fund and capital initiative, as well as planned giving and endowed funds.

• Prepare major proposals, solicitation letters, and other cultivation and stewardship materials for significant donors. 

• Substantiate new prospects, make discovery calls, and build a prospect pool based on new prospects and past donors.

• Solicit major gifts, either alone or as part of a team that could include staff, volunteers, and/or trustees.

• Maintain complete and timely records of contacts with prospects and volunteers.

• Develop and implement giving strategies for key reunion years as directed by the Assistant Head of School for Advancement.

• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED: 

• A college degree.

• Three to five years of direct major gift experience or in a related field.

• A proven track record of developing meaningful relationships with prospective donors and securing five- to seven-figure gifts.

• Experience with all types of major giving (annual, capital, endowment, and estate planning).

• An understanding of the local independent school landscape and community.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

We are committed to transparency and supporting our employee's well-being. For this role, we offer a competitive salary range of $85,000-$95,000 based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to the annual salary, Gilman School offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, critical illness and accident coverage, and both short- and long-term disability. We offer a 403 (b) retirement plan with employer match to help you plan for the future.

 We also believe in the importance of work-life balance, our time-off package includes two weeks of paid vacation, and seven sick days, a winter break, and a spring break annually. At Gilman School, you'll find a supportive environment where your health, wellness, and professional development are valued.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• POSITION TITLE:          Major Gifts Officer

• STATUS/FLSA:                 Full Time

• HOURS OF WORK:         8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

EOE

Gilman School is an equal opportunity employer and educator who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.   

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000