Elevate Your Career—Transform Our University
This Major Gifts Officer reports to the Assistant Vice President of Development and collaborates in the creation of strategic, major gift plans including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This position is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of prospects and donors. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with colleagues on campus including but not limited to University Relations, Admissions, Career Education Center, University Athletics, Marketing & Communications, Academic Deans and Faculty. This position is responsible for developing long-term philanthropic relations with an assigned group of alumni, parents and friends of the University.
Core Duties
- Partner with the Development Team and other University Relations staff to conceptualize, develop, and implement a comprehensive, integrated major gifts program.
- Manage a portfolio and fundraising plan, primarily regionally, with an emphasis on securing new gifts and gift upgrades through a strategic approach to personal cultivation and solicitation; with a focus on gifts of $50,000 and greater.
- Generate new leads and qualify gift prospects and planned gifts from research, prospect tracking tools, donor base, faculty networks and fundraising colleagues.
- Manage a portfolio of viable prospects with an emphasis on 25 to 35 active relationships per quarter.
- Execute “moves” system for a dedicated group of constituents, including donors, alumni, parents, and friends.
- Regularly evaluate and assess progress toward goals, and report on results.
- When appropriate, solicit leadership annual gifts.
- Adhere to stewardship of existing and new gifts.
- Utilize and track donor / prospect information within the current data management system.
- Create targeted donor proposals in coordination with other members of University Relations and other campus departments.
- Facilitate donor relationships including, but not limited to, trip management, staffing principal level donor meetings, consistent outreach to current and lapsed donors, and the facilitation of donor requests and information.
- Collaborate with the University Relations staff and other campus departments to identify mid-level donors for gift upgrades.
- Participate in scheduled check-ins and regular strategy meetings.
- Commit to travel and off-site meetings on a weekly basis and attend weekend and evening events as needed.
- Attend weekend and evening events as needed.
Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Education & Experience
Required : Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of direct management experience in fundraising, marketing sales or related field.Required : Proven experience of securing large gifts.Preferred : Experience with constituent relations software (’s Edge) or similar CRMOr equivalent education and / or experience.Certifications & Licenses
Preferred : Active Driver’s LicenseKnowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple and varied programs and events in service to a variety of audiences.Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences through means including but not limited to, interpersonal settings, large groups, written and through social media.Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to give presentations.Strong strategic planning skills with an understanding of tactical implementation.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set priorities.Strong organization and problem-solving skills.Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.Effective ability to synthesize information and key initiatives to share with various audiences.Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty and staff.Professional demeanor and ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes. Ability to work effectively with various constituencies including the general public, faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and other members of the University community.Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and constituent relations software (’s Edge).Physical Requirements
Frequently : sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.Occasionally : stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.Occasionally : ability to attend events and activities on or off campus.Frequently : ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and other audiences.Occasionally : travel locally and domestically by car and air.Working Conditions
Hours of employment : sometimes may require working flexible and / or longer hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends, when necessitated by projects and travel.Stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.Work Standards
Respect for the University’s mission and Catholic identity : demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University’s mission statement states in relevant part : “we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world.” The University’s Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part : “Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.” The full Mission Statement is at : .The full Statement of Inclusion is at : .Promote culture of safety : demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.Compliance with laws and policies and procedures : subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the personnel, business, and / or other policies of the University.Compliance with driving-related laws and requirements : when conducting university business while driving, must comply with the Oregon Vehicle Code and University of Portland driving requirements.Interpersonal skills : demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with in his or her University capacity.Benefits
Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University’s home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.)
For more information and to apply :
Salary : $50,000
