The Division of Institutional Advancement is hiring for a Major Gifts Officer. The Major Gifts Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and goals of SC State University by securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Institutional, this position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors to support the university's strategic priorities. The Senior Major Gift Officer will manage a portfolio of prospective donors, develop solicitation strategies, and work collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and staff to achieve fundraising targets.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Donor Portfolio Management:
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Conduct thorough research and analysis to identify prospective donors capable of making significant gifts to the university.
Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies tailored to each donor's interests, philanthropic priorities, and capacity to give.
Build and maintain strong relationships with donors through personalized stewardship activities, including regular communication, campus visits, and events.
2. Fundraising Strategy and Execution:
Collaborate with the Vice President and Associate Vice President and other fundraising team members to establish annual fundraising goals and strategies.
Develop comprehensive fundraising plans for assigned prospects, outlining cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to achieve fundraising targets.
Utilize a moves management approach to track donor interactions and progress through the fundraising pipeline.
Prepare compelling solicitation materials, including proposals, presentations, and case statements, to effectively communicate the university's funding priorities and impact.
3. Donor Engagement and Cultivation:
Engage donors in the life of the university by providing opportunities for involvement, including campus visits, meetings with faculty and students, and participation in events.
Work closely with university leadership, academic deans, and program directors to identify funding priorities and develop compelling cases for support.
Coordinate and facilitate donor recognition and stewardship activities, including naming opportunities, donor receptions, and recognition societies.
4. Prospect Research and Analysis:
Conduct prospect research to identify new major gift opportunities and assess donor capacity, interest, and inclination to support the university.
Analyze donor data and fundraising trends to identify opportunities for portfolio growth and strategic engagement.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and fundraising activities in the university's donor database.
5. Collaboration and Teamwork:
Collaborate effectively with colleagues in the Office of Institutional Advancement, including annual giving, alumni relations, and stewardship teams, to maximize donor engagement and support.
Work collaboratively with university administrators, faculty, and staff to leverage their expertise and relationships in support of fundraising initiatives.
Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities to enhance fundraising skills and knowledge.
Minimum Requirements for Entry into Position:
Bachelor's degree required
Preferred Requirements for Entry into Position:
Advanced degree preferred; Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related field, with a proven track record of securing major gifts.
Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, preferably in higher education or a comparable nonprofit environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor management software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).