Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement & Alumni Affairs, the Major Gifts Officer develops programs and strategies to identify, cultivate, track and solicit alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and friends of Heidelberg for gifts to fund institutional priorities. The Major Gifts Officer carries a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects. This position will also be a significant contributor to the planning, organization, and strategic implementation of other key initiatives to secure ongoing financial resources for the university, including leadership toward the development of future campaigns.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports directly to the Vice President for University Advancement & Alumni Affairs. Works closely with the University President as needed.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Major Gift Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating and successfully soliciting prospects to support key institutional objectives. They work collaboratively with UAAA staff as needed for successful outcomes on specific projects.
- Represents Heidelberg University in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key prospects, and in the identification, education, and recruitment of key volunteers.
- Works with UAAA team members and others for overall success of Heidelberg University fundraising.
- Develops solicitation strategies to meet short- and long-term major gift program objectives.
- Contributes to institutional branding and marketing efforts.
- Works on special initiatives in support of Heidelberg campaign priorities.
- Completes appropriate stewardship activities.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President.
(A) Bachelor’s degree; and,
(B) Five (5) to seven (7) years successful experience of demonstrated fundraising success.
(A) Master’s degree; and,
(B) Eight (8) or more years successful experience of demonstrated major gift success ($ 25,000+) in a higher education setting or compatible experience in a related field; and,
(C) A fundraising certification such as CFRE, CAHP, ACFRE, AHP Fellow or similar credentials.
- Thorough knowledge of all aspects of fundraising.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
- Skill in cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding major gifts with a high degree of integrity and diplomacy.
- Exceptional motivation and creativity.
- Ability to engender confidence, enthusiasm, and promote support of Heidelberg University constituencies.
- Ability to develop and present well-developed strategies, proposals, and implement effective courses of action in prospect solicitation.
- Ability to travel as needed or required, work evenings and / or weekends as needed.
- Ability to relate to diverse cross-sections of individuals.
- Ability to work independently and with a team.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers. Employees in this position must have a valid driver’s license.
For consideration, complete the online application.