What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer position at VCCS-System Office?
Title: Major Gifts Officer
Agency: VCCS-System Office
Location: Richmond (City) - 760
FLSA: Exempt
Hiring Range: $105,000 - $120,000 annual
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Additional Detail
Job Description:
Virginia's community colleges have a 50-year track record of educational excellence and innovation to serve the needs of our citizens and strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy. When Virginia’s General Assembly established the Virginia Community College System in 1966, the need for a comprehensive system was well known. Over the two decades after the end of World War II, leaders in government, business, professional sectors, and academia had called for a new approach to providing educational opportunity. A key concern was Virginia's ability to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to expand the state's economy. Today our community colleges give every Virginian the opportunity to gain a quality education. With 23 colleges on 40 campuses located throughout the state, Virginia's Community Colleges are committed to serving Virginia families, helping them acquire the knowledge and skills to seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
The Office of Institutional Advancement is responsible for generating resources and support from various constituencies to support the VCCS’s strategic plan, Accelerate Opportunity 2030, and the strategic plan for the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. The mission of the VFCCE is to build student success and Virginia’s future by supporting its 23 community colleges. Supporting workforce development and building the talent pipeline are priorities for the VFCCE.
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building a dynamic long-term philanthropic relationship that can secure an increasing level of support for institutional priorities; this includes strategic portfolio development and management, strategic planning and program management. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer will work tactically with VCCS leadership and constituent programs to successfully meet foundation annual goals as well as the goals of the major gift campaign. Responsible for working collaboratively with colleges and coordinating major grant requests.
The Major Gifts Officer develops and maintains relationships with 75-150 current and potential giver relationships and maintains a high level of activity with regard to the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate and foundation prospects and donors.
- Extensive demonstrated success with fundraising – 5 years minimum experience.
- Demonstrated grant and proposal writing ability at appropriate levels for varied proposal development.
- Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting proposals, letters of intent, budgets, and reports, meeting all donor/prospect deadlines.
- Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective corporate and foundation donors and maintain high poise and professionalism.
- Proven leadership skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Robust verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be a team player.
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Knowledge of current fundraising practices, especially as they pertain to complex higher education settings.
- Comfortable with donor database technology to track contacts with constituents.
- Well-honed verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to conduct face-to-face donor meetings and engage with prospects using grace, manners, and common sense.
- Ability to be a persuasive advocate for VFCCE/VCCS priorities and present information clearly and compellingly in writing and in person.
- Ability to work with various constituencies, including donors, funders, board of directors, and staff.
- Ability to use sound judgment and tact.
- Ability to handle highly confidential information.
- Strong initiative and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks under deadline pressures in a high-volume office.
- Enthusiastic, creative, and enterprising.
Education Requirements:
Master's Degree in a relevant field of study
- Prefer 7 years of fundraising experience (preferably in public higher education).
- Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from corporations and foundations.
- Extensive network and knowledge of national and state foundations.
- Proven track record of success managing complex portfolios, soliciting and securing new commitments and building lasting relationships with institutional donors.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $105,000 - $120,000
