Major Gift Officer & Leadership Gift Officer

Posted on 10/21/2021

Springfield College

Springfield, MA

Springfield College invites application for a Major Gift Officer (MGO) and a Leadership Gift Officer (LG)). The Gift Officers work to build and enhance relationships with alumni, parents and friends capable of making a gift between $1,000 and $25,000 or more. The MGO & LGO is responsible for qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospects and stewarding donors while maintaining essential data within the blackbaud system. She/he will work with prospective donors to determine their philanthropic interests and how those interests align with the strategic needs of the College. The title of Major Gift Officer or Lead Gift Officer will be determined based on experience.

Responsibilities include:

  • Conduct a minimum of 150 face to face meetings/visits annually to qualify, engage, solicit or steward donors. This includes meetings with individuals both on and off campus, traveling as appropriate. Utilize and engage campus community members (Deans, VP’s, Department Chairs, faculty, coaches, etc.) in the development process as needed.
  • Develop a comprehensive donor strategy for assigned prospects to include annual giving and, where appropriate, planned giving. Provide staff leadership for one reunion class giving initiative, other long-term projects or events as assigned.
  • In conjunction with supervisor, develop metrics around engagement, fundraising targets and database maintenance.
  • By engaging with campus partners, develop and maintain a working knowledge of Springfield College’s educational and strategic programs to effectively articulate the institution’s priorities. Develop and implement strategies for annual and multi-year plans to retain and increase giving from portfolio, utilizing appropriate goals and timetables for solicitation.
  • Attendance at staff, departmental, and institutional meetings as required. Assist in the stewardship efforts for major gift donors. Provide input and feedback regarding the development and crafting for annual appeals. Manage travel with prospect visits, including securing rental vehicles, hotels, and flights.
  • Participate in execution of events and programs in support of Development activities and alumni/parent events. This includes by on- and off-campus functions.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree required with 5-8 years of work-related experience. Master’s degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Office practices and procedures.
  • Variety of fundraising strategies and methods.
  • Approaches to working with major gift prospects and donors.
  • Springfield College community and campus setting.
  • Customer service concepts and best practices.
  • Working with large and complex organizations.
  • Organizing and coordinating skills.
  • Prioritizing
  • Database management skills.
  • Word processing and reporting skills.
  • Interpersonal/customer service skills, via telephone and in person.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Negotiating.
  • Strong listener and thoughtful questioner.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies.
  • Demonstrated ability in securing major gifts from individuals and/or corporations and other private funding sources.
  • Demonstrated ability in planning and implementing short- and long-range development initiatives to meet established priorities.
  • Ability to direct and manage volunteers, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports and other materials.
  • Exercise good judgement, to demonstrate and understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Plan, organize and coordinate activities and special events.
  • Adjust priorities as necessary, independently as well as in conference with supervisor.
  • Foster effective working relationships within a team environment, leading by example.
  • Apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Willingness to maintain an aggressive travel schedule.
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Occasional evening, holiday, or weekend work required to staff events such as reunion, homecoming, and division/department functions.

Extensive travel is required to fulfill the job of meeting with alumni, parents and friends to secure support. Travel may be local, regional or national in scope and take place over multiple days, requiring overnight stays.

Valid driver’s license, with a College insurable driving history, is required for this position. A full motor vehicle/driving history report will be required as a part of the background check process.

This position has been designed as forward facing and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status, or an attestation to the same effect, will be required. Individuals may seek ADA accommodations or a religious exemption, upon request with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Springfield College is committed to enhancing diversity and equity in education and employment. To that end, the College welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences, who will contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information about Springfield College’s position on diversity and inclusion, please visit our Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement.

To apply for this job please visit www.springfield.edu.