Company: University of Portland

Date Posted: Mar 17, 2025

This Major Gifts Officer reports to the Assistant Vice President of Development and collaborates in the creation of strategic, major gift plans including prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. This position is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of prospects and donors. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with colleagues on campus including but not limited to University Relations, Admissions, Career Education Center, University Athletics, Marketing & Communications, Academic Deans and Faculty. This position is responsible for developing long-term philanthropic relations with an assigned group of alumni, parents and friends of the University.

Core Duties

• Partner with the Development Team and other University Relations staff to conceptualize, develop, and implement a comprehensive, integrated major gifts program.
• Manage a portfolio and fundraising plan, primarily regionally, with an emphasis on securing new gifts and gift upgrades through a strategic approach to personal cultivation and solicitation; with a focus on gifts of $50,000 and greater.
• Generate new leads and qualify gift prospects and planned gifts from research, prospect tracking tools, donor base, faculty networks and fundraising colleagues.
• Manage a portfolio of viable prospects with an emphasis on 25 to 35 active relationships per quarter.
• Execute “moves” system for a dedicated group of constituents, including donors, alumni, parents, and friends.
• Regularly evaluate and assess progress toward goals, and report on results.
• When appropriate, solicit leadership annual gifts.
• Adhere to stewardship of existing and new gifts.
• Utilize and track donor/prospect information within the current data management system.
• Create targeted donor proposals in coordination with other members of University Relations and other campus departments.
• Facilitate donor relationships including, but not limited to, trip management, staffing principal level donor meetings, consistent outreach to current and lapsed donors, and the facilitation of donor requests and information.
• Collaborate with the University Relations staff and other campus departments to identify mid-level donors for gift upgrades.
• Participate in scheduled check-ins and regular strategy meetings.
• Commit to travel and off-site meetings on a weekly basis and attend weekend and evening events as needed.
• Attend weekend and evening events as needed.

  Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.

  Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.

Education & Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of direct management experience in fundraising, marketing sales or related field.
• Required: Proven experience of securing large gifts.
• Preferred: Experience with constituent relations software (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) or similar CRM
  Or equivalent education and/or experience.

Certifications & Licenses

Preferred: Active Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple and varied programs and events in service to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences through means including but not limited to, interpersonal settings, large groups, written and through social media.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to give presentations.
• Strong strategic planning skills with an understanding of tactical implementation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set priorities.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective ability to synthesize information and key initiatives to share with various audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
• Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty and staff.
• Professional demeanor and ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes. Ability to work effectively with various constituencies including the general public, faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and other members of the University community.
• Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and constituent relations software (e.g. Raiser’s Edge).
  

Apply

Contact Info:
Human Resources
University of Portland
recruitment@up.edu
503-943-8484

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