What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gift Officer position at Valparaiso University?
Position Description:
The Major Gift Officer will advance the philanthropic mission of Valparaiso University by building and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, friends, and foundations. The Major Gift Officer will develop and implement personalized cultivation strategies that deepen relationships and engage donors in the university’s vision and initiatives. The Major Gift Officer will identify, qualify, and solicit major gifts, while collaborating with the Assistant Vice President for Development and the Advancement team to create compelling proposals, and ensure donors receive meaningful updates on the impact of their contributions. The Major Gift Officer also will design customized stewardship plans that express gratitude and foster long-term engagement, while effectively managing a portfolio through personal visits, correspondence, and digital communication. Working in close partnership with colleagues across the university, the Major Gift Officer will align fundraising efforts, identify funding priorities, and leverage opportunities for support.
Major Responsibilities:
The Major Gift Officer will:
- build and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, including alumni, parents, friends, and foundations;
- develop and implement personalized cultivation plans that deepen relationships and engage donors in the university's mission and initiatives;
- identify, qualify, and solicit major gift prospects for philanthropic support;
- work collaboratively with the Assistant Vice President for Development and Advancement team to create compelling proposals and presentations that align with donors' interests and the university's priorities;
- ensure that major donors receive regular and meaningful updates on the impact of their gifts;
- create customized stewardship plans that express gratitude and foster long-term donor engagement;
- effectively manage a prospect portfolio through personal visits, correspondence, and electronic and telephonic communication;
- collaborate with colleagues in Advancement, academic departments, and other university units to identify funding priorities, align fundraising efforts, and leverage opportunities for philanthropic support;
- maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and communications in the university's donor database, Advance; and
- provide regular reports on major gift activities, progress toward fundraising goals, and prospect pipelines to the Assistant Vice President for Development and university leadership.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least three years of successful major gift fundraising experience in higher education or a related nonprofit sector is preferred for this position.
Other Qualifications:
Valparaiso University seeks a Major Gift Officer with:
- a commitment to the mission and values of Valparaiso University as a community of learning dedicated to excellence and grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, preparing students to lead and serve in both church and society;
- strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with an ability to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders;
- excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- an ability to develop and execute successful fundraising strategies;
- a commitment to cultural diversity and an ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds; and
- familiarity with fundraising CRM systems (Slate, Advance, etc.).
Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.
Valparaiso University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Major Gift Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/3294.
