Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

Primary Function:

Develop and implement strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects (between 150 and 200) including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts for the college from alumni, parents, and friends. Perform work independently and also as members of the College Advancement team and coordinate their activities with those of other units in College Advancement and other units at the college.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Develop a caseload of active major gifts prospects and set and carry out strategies for solicitation of these prospects.
• Work independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with potential donors.
• Work in a collegial manner with development team in creating and implementing strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and closure.
• Determine whether an individual is capable of making a major gift or special gift and devise appropriate strategies to bring this individual to solicitation and closure.
• Make numerous decisions on cultivation time committed vs. expected gift response, determine who needs to be involved in the relationship with the prospective donor, and decide the most effective and productive use of travel time.
• Assist in the long-range planning for the Individual Giving group.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Financial Responsibilities:

• Assume and achieve annual fundraising and activity goals to be set in conjunction with the Senior Director of Individual Philanthropy and the Director of Prospect Management.

Other Responsibilities:

• Promote a positive image of Hanover College and represent the College in accordance with the College's mission, principles, and strategic plan.
• Support a welcoming college environment.
• Perform / complete other projects and tasks assigned by the Associate Vice President of Individual Philanthropy and/or the Vice President for Advancement.

Qualifications:

• Education, Certifications, Training, Experience
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education required
• A minimum of five years in fundraising with no less than three years in a major gifts role preferred
• Must have a driver''s license; weekend and evening work will be required
• Familiarity with Raisers Edge preferred
• Skills, Competencies, Abilities
• Proven experience in major individual gift fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, and in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of five and six-figure gifts
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising - able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contacts with potential donors; (2) to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers and senior college administrators; (3) to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) to make solicitations when appropriate; (5) to maintain stewardship contacts with donors
• Understanding of the needs and interests of major donors in order to develop relationships between them and the College.
• Knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas
• Understanding of and practice with moves management processes
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills required
• Problem-solving, research and analytical skills
• Solid relationship-building skills, able to interface with faculty, administrators and trustees
• Able to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and advance strategic advancement plans
• Able to articulate the case for support so that individuals "buy in" to the vision/mission/goals and with sufficient effectiveness to secure gifts at assigned donor giving levels.
• Must be able to travel around the region and to other areas of the country
• Personal belief in mission, goals and objectives of private higher education
• Integrity
• Self-motivated & self-starting
• Sophisticated
• Passionate & committed to going out and getting gifts
• Creative
• Respectful, kind
• Perseverance
• Optimism and positive attitude
• Attention to detail

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Some evening and weekend work as well as occasional overnight and/or out-of-town travel required for professional conferences and educational opportunities
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regionally and nationally as needed
• Remote work-eligible with occasional on-campus meeting and event attendance
• Manual dexterity to operator a computer and general office equipment
• Occasional lifting up to 20-25 lbs
• Occasional climbing of stairs