Gift Officer

Description

The Hill-Murray Gift Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors in support of the Hill-Murray Foundation, located at St. Paul’s Monastery, which raises funds to benefit Hill-Murray School. The Gift Officer will manage a portfolio of 100 to 150 donors, working to secure significant philanthropic support for scholarships, capital projects, endowment growth, and other strategic initiatives. This position plays a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and strengthening donor relationships.

All Hill-Murray employees are expected to support, model, and champion HM’s mission statement: Hill-Murray empowers students to reach their fullest potential by inspiring them to utilize their God-given strengths to become leaders who will make a positive difference in the world.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Relationship Management & Fundraising

• Develop and implement individualized engagement and solicitation strategies for major donors and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making gifts of $5,000 .
• Conduct a minimum of 12-15 donor visits per month, including in-person and virtual meetings.
• Collaborate with School leadership, faculty, and staff to align fundraising priorities with donor interests.
• Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, and stewardship reports for major gift prospects.

Portfolio Development & Prospecting

• Maintain a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 donors, including current supporters and new prospects.
• Identify and qualify prospective donors through research and engagement strategies.
• Leverage donor data and wealth screening tools to maximize fundraising potential.
• Work with the Foundation and School leadership to develop and execute targeted donor campaigns.

Stewardship & Recognition

• Develop personalized stewardship plans to enhance donor retention and long-term engagement.
• Coordinate donor recognition efforts, including events, impact reports, and acknowledgment communications.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to highlight donor impact.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and development staff in achieving fundraising goals.
• Support capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives as needed.
• Represent the Hill-Murray Foundation at events, community functions, and networking opportunities.
• Ensure accurate donor records and activity tracking using Salesforce.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• 5-10 years of fundraising or sales experience, preferably in major gifts, development, or nonprofit advancement.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain long-term donor relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including donor proposal writing.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or other donor management systems is preferred.
• Highly organized, results-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A passion for Catholic education and a commitment to the mission of Hill-Murray School.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of an independent school.

General Responsibilities of Catholic School Employment:

Employment in and by a Catholic school is substantially different from secular employment.  Catholic school employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the school.  An employee’s behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese to embarrass the school or give rise to scandal.  It is preferred that all employees be active, participating members of a faith community.