The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) reports to the Director of Leadership Giving and is responsible for being knowledgeable of all donors, alumni, parents, and friends in a defined geographic region, making sure a defined broad-based group of prospects based on giving or capability are personally covered by the University or its representatives. The Major Gifts Officer will design, develop, and manage a comprehensive program of focused solicitation strategies to persuasively present the priorities and case for university support and successfully close major gifts of five to seven figures.A hybrid work schedule will be considered for this role.Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.Visit jobs.wlu.edu to learn more about working at W&L, our benefits, community, and living in the area.
Essential Functions: - Develops and manages a portfolio of 150-200 potential donors capable of gifts of at least $100,000.
- Travels extensively to visit with donors and highly rated prospects with defined moves management plans for each prospect after an initial visit.
- Participates in donor prospect strategy sessions.
- Successfully solicits and closes five to seven figure gifts.
- Persuasively presents the University's mission and goals.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and senior administration.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: - A Bachelor's degree is required.
- Consistently demonstrates strong character and leadership abilities and excellent human relations skills to represent the University effectively with its alumni, parents and other external constituents.
- Must be a passionate, high-energy individual with outstanding skills in management, communication, and team building with a history of success in previous work experience and a desire to work in higher education.
- Two or more years of successful fundraising and/or development experience preferably in a higher education setting. A record of achieving ambitious targets and goals is expected.
- Sophisticated interpersonal skills, the ability to listen effectively, and outstanding written and oral communication skills. Candidates should be organized, able to work collaboratively and strategically, and be a talented motivator of volunteers.
Candidates with the below preferred qualifications may be considered for a Senior Major Gifts Officer title with the corresponding compensation range.
- Five or more years of fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to close six-figure gifts.
- Experience in higher education
- Knowledge of Moves Management principles and donor database systems is a plus.
Application Instructions: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A resume and cover letter are required. Please upload these documents when prompted on the application form. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.Application instructions are at
Physical Requirements:- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Types of Work: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Position Type: Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible