What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at Oberlin?
The Office of Advancement at Oberlin College seeks applications for the position of Major Gifts Officer. This is a full-time, continuing, 12- month, Administrative and Professional Staff position reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Major and Planned Giving.
Responsibilities
The Major Gifts Officer acts as a donor relationship manager who plans and implements strategies for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, closing and stewardship of outright and deferred gifts of $50,000 or more to Oberlin College.
Essential Job Functions
Manages a portfolio of approximately 150-200 major gift prospects, traveling throughout the United States to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and close outright and deferred major gifts ($50,000-$500,000) to the college.- Organizes prospect visits efficiently and strategically. Includes key Oberlin faculty, staff, and leadership as appropriate in order to build relationships and secure gifts. Communicates with all parties via briefings, cultivation and solicitation plans/updates, and donor correspondence.
- Prepares written proposals, informational materials, gift illustrations, and other materials to secure major and planned gifts.
- Records fundraising progress via contact reports, cultivation and solicitation updates, correspondence, and other documentation in a timely manner in the alumni database of record, Raiser’s Edge.
- Meets quarterly with Prospect Research regarding prospect assignments, portfolio review, cultivation and solicitation strategies, proposals, and general fundraising progress.
- Strives to meet and exceed goals for quality monthly visits and yearly metrics.
- Builds and maintains an in-depth knowledge of Oberlin, its funding priorities, and giving opportunities in order to articulate a compelling case for support.
- Attends all major on-campus alumni events; participates in regional events, often in partnership with Alumni Engagement (homecoming, reunions, commencement, and donor recognition events).
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned or directed.
Marginal Job Functions
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required—advanced degree desirable.- 5 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, relationship management, or related field, preferably in higher education.
- This position requires regional and national travel (30-50% of the time). Work weekends and evenings when appropriate, including assisting with reunion and Homecoming events.
- This is a campus-based position, not eligible for hybrid work.
Desired Qualifications
A strong commitment to the goals of a liberal arts education and to the importance of Oberlin College & Conservatory relationships with its diverse constituencies.- In-depth understanding of the donor gift cycle and moves management.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and superior interpersonal skills with demonstrated skill in working well with individuals and in a team setting.
- Experience demonstrating personal initiative, resourcefulness, flexibility and an ability to take direction. Detail and deadline oriented.
- Knowledge of planned gift vehicles.
Compensation
A generous compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate, including an excellent benefits package, tuition remission for eligible dependents and 35 days of paid PTO.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A completed application will include a cover letter, a CV and a list of 3 professional references.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References
Salary : $50,000 - $500,000
