What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Major Gifts position at La Roche University?
La Roche University seeks a dedicated and results-driven Director of Major Gifts to manage and grow the university’s major gifts program. In this role, you will work closely with the Vice President of University Advancement and other university leadership to develop and implement strategies for cultivating and soliciting major gifts from a portfolio of high-capacity donors. This role focuses on relationship building, strategic solicitation, and donor stewardship, aiming to achieve a fundraising goal of $750,000.
La Roche embraces its Catholic identity while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds, fosters global citizenship and creates a community of scholars from around the world. The University empowers all members of the community to become lifelong learners, achieve success in their chosen careers, and promote justice and peace in a constantly changing global society.
In this role, you will:
- Manage a Portfolio: Oversee a portfolio of approximately 100-125 major gift prospects, ensuring the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts.
- Submit Proposals: Submit 12 major gift proposals annually, focusing on securing contributions at the $50,000 level.
- Cultivate Relationships: Build and deepen relationships with donors through meetings, phone calls, and personalized correspondence.
- Develop Long-Term Connections: Develop lasting, trust-based relationships by understanding donors’ interests, passions, and values.
- Collaborate Across the University: Work closely with departmental leadership, faculty, and staff to align fundraising priorities and build support for various initiatives.
- Travel and Communication: Regularly visit prospects across the United States and engage in both in-person and virtual communications to maintain ongoing relationships.
- Utilize Communication Skills: Use excellent written and verbal communication to build rapport with both current and prospective donors.
- Convey Fundraising Priorities: Effectively communicate the university’s fundraising priorities and demonstrate how donors can make an impact on La Roche University.
- Support University-wide Fundraising: Provide support to various departments, faculty, and staff in their respective fundraising efforts, ensuring coordination and collaboration across the university.
Key Responsibilities:
- Major Gift Fundraising
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
- Develop personalized strategies for cultivating relationships and securing major gifts.
- Work with the Vice President and university leadership to plan and execute major gift solicitations.
- Donor Stewardship
- Ensure excellent donor stewardship through timely acknowledgment, communication, and recognition.
- Work with the Advancement Services and Donor Relations teams to create personalized stewardship plans.
- Campaign Leadership and Strategy
- Support the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, particularly in major gift solicitations.
- Align fundraising efforts with La Roche University’s institutional priorities.
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, and advancement colleagues on fundraising strategies.
- Provide guidance and support to the advancement team in major gift fundraising efforts.
- Reporting and Metrics
- Track and report on major gift progress, ensuring goals are met.
- Maintain accurate donor records and progress toward fundraising objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit setting.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts ($50,000 ), with experience managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to travel regularly to meet with donors across the United States.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in fundraising software (Raiser’s Edge or similar).
- Commitment to confidentiality and discretion.
Additional Preferred Qualities:
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of La Roche University.
- Experience in Catholic or faith-based institutions.
- Strong donor-centered approach to fundraising, with a focus on building long-term relationships.
La Roche offers comprehensive benefits package and salary commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $82,500 - $95,000, annually.
In order for applications to be fully processed, a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references must accompany a completed application. Candidates subject to background clearances. Review of application materials will begin immediately; position open until filled.
Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States. LRU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
It is the policy of La Roche University to promote equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color creed, age, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, non-job-related disability or medical condition, or any other legally protected status.
Salary : $82,500 - $95,000