Major Gifts/Planned Gifts Officer

POSITION: Major Gifts/Planned Gifts Officer

Reports to: Director of Advancement and Communications

Updated: February 2025

Purpose And Scope

As a member of the Notre Dame Prep Advancement staff, the Major Gifts/Planned Gifts Officer (MGPGO) will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the donor base at Notre Dame Preparatory High School. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this position is responsible for cultivating, managing, and enhancing relationships with a portfolio of 100 prospects. The goal is to secure increased philanthropic support, as well as major contributions to the school’s capital campaign.

Additionally, the MGPGO will help build a comprehensive major gift and planned giving program to identify, qualify, steward, and solicit high-capacity donors—those able to contribute $20,000 or more annually to the NDP Fund. The position will require frequent off-campus travel to meet with prospects and ensure robust stewardship of major gift donors.

Essential Job Functions

• Prospect Management & Cultivation: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift and planned giving prospects. Develop tailored strategies for each donor, emphasizing personal, face-to-face visits to deepen engagement.
• Strategic Solicitation & Stewardship: Develop and execute personalized solicitation plans in coordination with the Director of Advancement and the school’s leadership team. Engage prospects for both annual and capital gifts and introduce planned giving opportunities as appropriate.
• Fundraising Goal Achievement: Meet defined performance goals, including regular prospect visits and fundraising targets, aligned with industry best practices for major gift fundraising.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with the Advancement Team to ensure seamless collaboration on donor engagement and stewardship. Regularly strategize with the Director of Advancement, Principal, Board members, and other staff to keep fundraising efforts on track.
• Event Participation: Attend key NDP events to connect with donors and prospects, staying informed on school initiatives to craft impactful solicitation proposals.
• Stewardship & Recognition: Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of major and planned gifts, keeping donors informed and engaged with NDP’s mission and successes.
• Volunteer Engagement: Support and engage volunteers for special fundraising initiatives, aligning their involvement with key institutional priorities.
• Perform any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by their supervisor.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Proven experience in major gifts fundraising, planned giving, or a similar advancement role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build lasting relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Ability to travel frequently and manage a diverse portfolio of prospects.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and goal-driven, with a track record of meeting fundraising targets.
• Knowledge of NDP’s mission, programs, and priorities to effectively communicate with prospects and donors.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree or certifications in nonprofit management or fundraising is a plus.
  
  

This position is ideal for an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for education and the ability to connect with donors in meaningful ways. The MGPGO will contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of Notre Dame Preparatory High School by securing major and planned gifts that will have a lasting impact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Preference given to a practicing Catholic, but faithful persons of other faiths are welcome (admin jobs must be practicing Catholic)
• Must be willing to make a public Profession of Faith if Catholic; if non-Catholic, willing to support Catholic teachings and philosophy
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two or more years of proven major gifts fundraising and/or sales experience, preferably during a campaign.
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills required.
• Understanding of major gift fundraising techniques including cultivation and stewardship techniques required.
• Working knowledge of Little Green Light, Donor Search, Word, Excel and PowerPoint highly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter who can work independently, solve problems, handle confidential information and navigate sensitive situations.
• Proven experience working with and managing volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team situation is required.
• A clear understanding of the mission, values, and traditions of NDP
• Receive Safe Environment Training and signed the Code of Conduct. AZ Fingerprint clearance completed. All completed prior to the start date.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to stand for periods of time outside in the heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position will require some evening and weekend hours.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

EVALUATION

The performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures developed by the Diocese of Phoenix and Notre Dame Preparatory under the direction of the Chaplain, President and Director of Finance.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Twelve-month employee, full-time, salaried. The Executive Committee, under the guidance of the Diocese of Phoenix establishes base salaries and stipends. A schedule of mandatory days and extra responsibilities is provided prior to the start of the new school year.