About this role
Major Gifts Officer / Associate Major Gifts Officer
The Office of Advancement at Oberlin College & Conservatory seeks applications for the position of Major Gifts Officer / Associate Major Gifts Officer. This is a full-time, continuing, 12-month, Administrative and Professional Staff position reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Major and Planned Giving.
Responsibilities
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The Major Gifts Officer / Associate Major Gifts Officer manages donor relationships by planning and executing strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of outright and deferred gifts. Responsibilities span high-end annual giving to major gifts, with the potential to cultivate principal-level opportunities.
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Essential Job Functions
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Conduct discovery visits and collaborate closely with Major and Planned Giving, Parent & Family Giving, and other colleagues on hand-off strategies and major gift pipeline development.
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Focuses fundraising efforts on securing gifts ranging from high-end annual giving to major gifts, with potential for principal-level opportunities. Drives individual giving through new donor acquisition, gift upgrades, meaningful engagement, and the development of a robust major gift pipeline.
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Develop an annual work plan and be guided by a set of metrics set annually including discovery visits, personal meetings, dollars raised, written strategies, and solicitations and proposals.
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Work closely with Advancement staff to create long-range strategic plans and short-term operational plans to strengthen the leadership annual giving and major gifts programs.
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Respond to donor inquiries and work closely with Donor Relations to steward donors.
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Create and submit contact reports in a timely manner detailing donor interactions.
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Assist the department in staffing various development and alumni events, such as Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and donor cultivation and recognition events.
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Attend department-wide meetings and professional development opportunities to stay informed of best practices and strategies to engage, solicit and steward gifts.
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Perform other duties and special projects as assigned or directed.
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Marginal Job Functions
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Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree and previous experience with personal solicitation and marketing, preferably within an academic or non-profit environment.
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Ability and willingness to travel nationally. Ability to transport self to local, off-site events.
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Superior interpersonal and networking skills with an ability to work productively and congenially with a diverse community and engage alumni and parents in fundraising efforts.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to persuasively communicate the importance of the liberal arts experience and the need for philanthropic support.
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Superior organizational and planning skills with an eye for detail. Ability to keep to a plan to achieve success.
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Strong ability to think both strategically and tactically to develop and execute goals.
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Proven relationship-building skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies.
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Desired Qualifications
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MGO: 5+ years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, relationship management, or related field, preferably in higher education.
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Associate MGO: At least 2 years of successful professional fundraising.
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Demonstrated leadership experience, a track record of one-to-one fundraising, and strong writing skills.
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Quick Link for Posting
Compensation
A generous compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate, including an excellent benefits package, tuition remission for eligible dependents and 35 days of paid PTO.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A completed application will include a cover letter, a CV and a list of 3 professional references.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).