Major Gifts Officer

Job title: Major Gifts Officer

About the Role The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a dynamic and mission-driven position within Bethel College's Advancement and Development team. The MGO cultivates and secures significant philanthropic support to advance the college’s mission and strategic priorities by building relationships with alumni, parents, and friends capable of making major gifts, particularly at the $25,000 level and above.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement personalized strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and deferred gift prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors with regular, meaningful interactions to deepen relationships and secure gifts.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and other team members to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Align donor interests with institutional priorities by working with college leadership.
• Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns and other fundraising initiatives as needed by the advancement department.
• Develop and manage fundraising objectives, schedules, and timelines in coordination with the Advancement Team.
• Ensure timely and personalized acknowledgment of gifts, including recognition in giving societies such as the President’s Circle and Heritage Roll of Honor.
• Provide donors with updates on the impact of their contributions, fostering gratitude and continued engagement.
• Conduct research to identify new major gift prospects and assess their giving potential.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and gift histories in the college’s CRM system.
• Apply strong analytical skills to analyze past fundraising efforts and community trends to inform future strategies.
• Serve as a member of the Advancement and Alumni team.
• Support the mission, vision, and values of Bethel College.
• Satisfy the duties of a Mandated Reporter relating to Title IX and the Bethel College Equal Opportunity, Harassment, & Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising or a related field, preferably within higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and CRM systems; ability to analyze fundraising data and donor trends.

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree (preferred).

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, benefits-eligible, in-person position.
• Reports to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
• Uses CRM.