Major Gifts Officer

The University of Evansville is hiring a major gift officer. This position will be responsible for furthering the advancement efforts of the university and will require a direct working relationship with the entire advancement team as well as numerous University leaders to cultivate and steward University supporters. This position will report to the senior director of major gifts and campaigns.

Responsibilities include:

• Establish and maintain relationships with an active portfolio of approximately 125 – 150 individual major gift prospects
• Plan and participate in solicitation efforts for major, planned, and/or principal gifts from alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and other constituents and supporters of the university. Solicitation efforts are primarily in person through repeated contact, but may vary to include email, direct mail, social media, and phone communications. Fundraising outreach may be focused on programming, capital/comprehensive campaigns, named faculty chairs/professorships, or funds/needs within one school or department or may span multiple schools or departments.
• Cultivate donor relationships through regular communications and outreach events.
• Update, maintain, and create contact records for prospective and current donor files and share relevant information to as necessary.
• Write complex proposals for solicitation of individuals to support University goals and objectives and prepare Deeds of Gift defining donors’ intentions for their gift as established.
• Regularly solicit and close gifts of $25,000 or more, encouraging multi-year commitments.
• In coordination with manager, set annual fund targets, contacts, and timelines by campaign.
• Research, compile, and provide metrics, facts, and general operations information about UE and its colleges, schools and departments to donors. Regularly collaborate with colleagues in relevant departments and schools and convey donor questions/concerns related to their willingness to contribute.
• Provide an excellent donor experience through customer service, active listening, inclusive language, and thoughtful and persuasive discussion, consistently upholding the integrity and mission of the University of Evansville.
• Assist the advancement team in facilitating events, marketing plans, communication and promotional opportunities.
• Attend departmental, college, alumni, and development functions as appropriate.
• Travel to assigned territories.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree Required.

Fundraising experience required; higher education fundraising experience preferred

Skills desired

Proficient communication skills, high degree of professionalism, good time management and ability to prioritize, flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment, thorough and dependable, demonstrated a high level of accuracy