The Major Gift Officer (MGO) works to build and enhance relationships with all constituents for the purpose of increasing financial support of Springfield College. The MGO is responsible for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts (currently classified as $25,000 or more). She/he will work with prospective donors to determine their philanthropic interest related to Springfield College’s fundraising priorities through annual, capital, endowed and planned gifts while managing a portfolio of high potential prospects.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct 150 or more visits annually to solicit gifts, educate and steward donors, and identify new major gift prospects. 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.
• Provide staff leadership for at least one reunion class giving initiative or for any other long term project as assigned.
• Establish metrics and goals in conjunction with supervisor, such as portfolio management of assigned prospects, monthly visit and dollar goals, etc. Maintain database to record all portfolio activity to ensure accurate reporting on prospect pool.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of Springfield College’s educational and strategic programs in order to effectively articulate the institutions priorities and fundraising objectives to prospects. Develop and implement strategies for annual and multi-year plans to retain and increase giving from portfolio, utilizing appropriate goals and timetables for solicitation.
• 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 on- and off-campus functions.

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Office practices and proceedures.
• 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 constitencies.
• 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 proceedures.
• 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.

Springfield College is committed to enhancing diversity and equality in education and employment.