What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at Shippensburg University Foundation?
The Shippensburg University Foundation is accepting applications and nominations for a Major Gifts Officer.
The SU Foundation seeks a highly motivated fundraiser to join a group of dedicated professionals, committed board members, and loyal constituents at an award-winning foundation that supports a nationally recognized, regional, comprehensive public university. The SU Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits package (including healthcare and TIAA-CREF retirement plan)
Responsibilities : Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer will develop and implement the strategy for identifying, nurturing, soliciting, and managing major gifts prospects. Major Gifts Officer serves as a key member of the professional staff supporting all fund-raising functions, including annual, capital, planned giving, as well as special interest, corporate, and foundation programs. Utilizing the Moves Management philosophy, the Major Gifts Officer manages a prospect / donor caseload requiring discernment of donor philanthropic interests, ongoing cultivation, timely visitation, and solicitation efforts. The Major Gifts Officer will be assigned to work with college deans and / or university program directors.
Send cover letter and resume to the attention of the SU Foundation / Search Committee, 500 Newburg Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257 or apply by email to Dr. Leslie Folmer Clinton. Strongest consideration will be given to applications received by February 21, 2025, however, applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Requirements : Travel is required and position does not provide for working remotely from home. It is expected that Major Gifts Officers attend a variety of University and community functions and activities that include evenings and weekends as part of the job responsibilities. This includes : personal solicitation, alumni events, committee and board meetings, cultural and athletic events. Must have current driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Education and Experience : Bachelor’s Degree required in Public Relations, English, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field. Five years’ experience in the fundraising field required. Experience in the related fields of marketing / sales, public relations, or alumni affairs is a plus.
About the SU Foundation : The Shippensburg University Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, was created in 1977 and serves to seek financial resources and provide services to support and enhance Shippensburg University’s mission of student learning and personal development through highly effective and innovative teaching, complemented by a wide variety of out-of-class experiences. Today, the SU Foundation’s endowment totals $68 million and the SU Foundation administers and manages over $100 million in assets. In 2016, the SU Foundation concluded a multi-year, comprehensive campaign- Charting the Course, Lighting the Way : The Campaign for Shippensburg University- which was the most successful campaign in the SU Foundation’s history and the most successful campaign in the PA State System raising more than $69 million. In 2023-2024, the SU Foundation raised over $11 million to support students, faculty, and programs. SUFoundation.org
About Shippensburg University : Since its founding in 1871, Shippensburg University, one of 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, has been a leader in public higher education. Long recognized for its academic rigor and its proactive approach to maintaining its leadership position as higher education has evolved, “Ship” now offers over 100 undergraduate, over 50 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs on its attractive 200-acre campus. The University recently established a School of Engineering within the College of Arts and Sciences to house the six engineering programs and established an Honors College. Ship has been named a top university in the North for multiple years by U.S. News & World Report, and its programs were named among the best of their kind. To learn more about the University, please visit SHIP.edu
Location : Shippensburg lies in the Cumberland Valley, 40 miles southwest of the state Capitol of Harrisburg. National firms, either headquartered or with major operations, in the region include Ahold USA, Deloitte, Capital Blue Cross, Highmark, Hershey Foods, Harsco Corporation, JLG, Proctor and Gamble, Rite Aid Corporation, Tyco Electronics, and Volvo Construction Equipment.
