Major Gifts Officer

About The University

Manhattan University is nestled in the historic neighborhood of Riverdale, close to dozens of restaurants and shops as well as Van Cortlandt Park, and is only 35 minutes from midtown Manhattan. Manhattan University is nationally ranked and offers degree programs in the arts, business, education, engineering, and science. The University has approximately 3,000 full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in over 50 fields of study.

It is committed to excellence in teaching a diverse student body and preparing students for successful careers and fulfilling lives. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and faculty members can thrive personally and professionally.

Position Title: Major Gifts Officer

Reports To: Director of Capital Campaign

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is an important member of the University’s advancement team. The MGO is responsible for raising support for the University’s strategic fundraising priorities. The MGO manages a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects and builds strong, trust-based relationships through personal contact with prospective donors to secure gifts of $50,000 or more. Achieves all annual fundraising metric goals, including visits, solicitations and revenue.

This is an in-person on-campus non-remote position.

For more information please visit: manhattan.edu/giving/

• Proactively contacts and communicates with potential donors in the MGO’s portfolio through phone, email, and other means to schedule meetings, share relevant information, and advance the donor’s support of the University.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings with prospective donors to identify the fundraising initiatives that resonate with them, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and active listening.
• Synthesizes information from personal contact with prospects with pertinent information gained from other sources (i.e. donor database).
• Develops effective fundraising strategy and powerful solicitation proposals that align with the prospect’s values and the University’s priorities.
• Follow up on all solicitations to secure a major gift.
• Coordinates campus visits and tours with key faculty and/or administrators.
• Enters all contact and key information gained through prospect engagement in the fundraising database.
• Develops an annual solicitation plan for every prospect in the MGO’s portfolio using a moves management approach.
• Actively reviews the portfolio of 150 donors on a weekly basis to ensure each prospect is solicited, whenever possible, and to continually update strategies and tactics for donor outreach and solicitation.
• Develops quarterly pipeline projections in concert with the team’s annual fundraising goals and reviews with manager on a regular basis.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey the mission and priorities of the University.
• Active listening skills to understand donors' interests and align fundraising efforts with their values.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop impactful fundraising strategies tailored to individual donors.
• Detail-oriented approach to maintaining accurate records and managing donor relationships effectively.
• Some weekend and evening duties are required.
• Goal-oriented mindset with a proven track record of meeting fundraising targets and exceeding expectations.

Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. We expect our…