Major Gift Officer

Overview

State

Title:

Director

Bargaining Unit:
Non-Unit

Employment Type:

35 hours per week/Full-time

Non-Union Positions:
For non-unit positions, salary commensurate with experience and is accompanied by a competitive benefits package.

About TCNJ

Founded in 1855, TCNJ offers a highly personalized and collaborative liberal arts education with over 7,400 undergraduates and 700 graduate students. The college is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive colleges in the nation, offering small classes, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and an immersive living-learning experience. With a 4-year graduation rate ranked #1 in New Jersey and #9 among U.S. public institutions, TCNJ is a model for public higher education.

Position Overview

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and play a key role in advancing the college’s fundraising efforts.

• Cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts through strategic, long-term relationships with new prospects and established donors.
• Partnering in the growth of a comprehensive fundraising program by engaging and soliciting prospects in support of institutional priorities.
• Collaborating with College leadership, faculty, and staff to understand and effectively communicate TCNJ’s mission, programs, and funding opportunities.
• Preparing compelling proposals and negotiating gift agreements in alignment with TCNJ policies and donor intent.
• Supporting thoughtful stewardship and recognition efforts to ensure meaningful donor engagement and retention.
• Maintaining accurate and timely donor records in Raiser’s Edge (RE) and ensuring proper documentation and gift processing.

Required

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Three to five years of progressive experience in development in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of major gift fundraising in a college setting. Demonstrated successful experience in major gift development including a strong track record in devising strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors.
• Strong organizational, oral and written communication skills. Sound experience in developing written proposals in support of institutional priorities.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in working independently in the management of a portfolio of 100+ prospects and donors utilizing a moves management process.
• Knowledge of computer database systems.
• Demonstrated skill and experience with independent judgment and initiative.

Preferred

• Advanced degree preferred.

Note:

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations; if accommodations cannot be made without undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Accommodation:
Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr.

As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be part of an exciting and rewarding public university career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit the Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more.

Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a letter of interest, resume (CV), as well as the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be considered until a viable finalist has been found.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.

Primary Location
Green Hall - Devel. & Alumni Engagement

Work Locations
Green Hall - Devel. & Alumni Engagement

Job
Staff

Organization
The College of New Jersey

Job Posting
Jan 21, 2026, 9:07:36 AM