Major Gift Officer

Summary

Position Title

Major Gift Officer

Department

University Advancement

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Position Summary

• Works to support the overall major gift efforts of Jacksonville University;
• Serves as the University Advancement liaison to the Jacksonville University Stein College of Fine Arts and Humanities with major gift support provided to the other Colleges or Institutes within the University as needed;
• As the Stein College of Fine Arts and Humanities major gift officer, you will be the primary manager for a portfolio of up to 150 prospects, moving potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion from identification, cultivation, solicitation and to closure of gifts of $25,000 and up;
• Recommend and implement short, intermediate and long-term individual major gifts cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual prospects (e.g. alumni, parents, trustees, friends of the University, current students, board members, faculty and staff), working with administration, faculty, board members, volunteers (as appropriate) to identify and engage new prospects for purposes of meeting established personal and university fundraising goals;
• Plan and implement events and activities (volunteer experiences, tours, receptions, fundraisers, etc.) for individual major gift donors, using existing activities as appropriate; engage in networking activities or other opportunities to generate potential prospects;
• Maintain basic knowledge of non-cash gifts, investments and other planned giving opportunities; Cultivate and expand planned giving opportunities with new and existing donors, and integrate planned gift objectives into donor solicitations in collaboration with Associate Vice President, Development;
• Work closely with advisory board members, academic leaders, faculty, staff and other volunteers to identify and engage new prospects;
• Work with Advancement Communications and Marketing and Communications to develop major gift materials (e.g. proposals, overviews and other informational and stewardship materials);
• Work with Advancement Services to request research and other information on university alumni, parents, and friends to qualify interest and giving potential;
• Monitor weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual activity to achieve individual performance measures (e.g. meetings, proposals, major gift revenue);
• Assist administrators and faculty in the recognition and prioritization of institutional and departmental funding needs, in particular for any assigned schools, departments, units or programs; keep abreast of institutional and departmental priorities, University programs, personalities and events;
• Track and report relationship management activity using Raisers Edge® constituent relationship management System;
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other team members;

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising and donor relations.
• Skills to meet or exceed fundraising goals and objectives.
• Advanced skills to meet predetermined goals and objectives through effective program/project planning, organization, execution, implementation, and evaluation.
• Advanced written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including professional acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Advanced skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of campus goals/objectives and securing gifts.
• Advanced analytical, critical thinking, problem recognition/avoidance/resolution skills. 

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• Five to ten years of fundraising experience most of which in a higher education setting
• Ability to successfully balance and manage multiple tasks in an active, fast-paced environment
• Strong familiarity with fundraising software, preferably Raiser’s Edge
• Excellent oral, written, computer, and fiscal management skills
• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Professional experience in higher education advancement strongly preferred

Work Conditions:

• Work is primarily indoors but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings or being off-campus.
• Standard office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Attendance at evening and weekend events is required for special events
• Off-campus travel is required; occasionally, position may require travel beyond the Jacksonville metropolitan area.
• Incumbent will be exposed to frequent noise cause by telephones and office machines.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines
• Near vision sufficient to read written communications and computer display screens
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

To Apply

Interested applicants are asked to submit a completed JU Application along with a copy of their resume, cover letter, and list of references to Leslie Redd at uajobs@ju.edu.