Major Gift Officer

Job Summary

The Major Gift Officer develops charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation. This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals by working autonomously towards goals set in consultation with supervisors.

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
• Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
• Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
• Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
• Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
• Mentors Development Officers in their continued development and professional growth. Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sales and/or Marketing, Business or other relevant degree program from an accredited college or university, with at least three years of development or similar experience at a university or other comparable organization, or equivalent professional experience in communications, strategy, relationship building, project management and/or outside sales. A valid MS driver’s license is required.

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
• Reliable and punctual
• Honest and cooperative
• Professional and respectful
• Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time
• Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people
• Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, and garner the confidence of stakeholders
• Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
• Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
• Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
• Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
• Seeks opportunities for professional development
• Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficient in securing major gift donations and meeting individual metrics
• Possesses general knowledge of planned giving
• Proven ability to train and develop others

Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination…