Major Gifts Officer

Shenandoah University’s Office of Advancement is accepting applications for a Major Gifts Officer. This is a full-time, benefited position located in downtown Winchester, Virginia.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer will undertake campaign and University fundraising activities and be responsible for cultivating, sustaining, and stewarding relationships to generate new and ongoing support from major gift prospects, alumni, parents and friends, and, where appropriate, select corporations and foundations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage existing portfolio of donors and prospects; Help those donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with Shenandoah University
• Work with the Advancement department to align efforts and set goals; Maintain current knowledge of funding needs within the scope of responsibility; identify prospective donors for those needs.
• Work with the Senior Vice President for Advancement and the Associate Vice President for Advancement to conceptualize, plan, and implement strategies from cultivation activity to gift closure in coordination with appropriate University constituencies.
• Participates in face‐to‐face briefings, solicitations, and gift negotiations in partnership with Deans, other staff, faculty, volunteers, etc.
• Engage and encourage faculty participation in the fundraising process to obtain support for Shenandoah University-wide and specific college/school programs.
• Ensures the proper acknowledgment and recognition of assigned donors. Monitors stewardship activities, implements reporting schedules, coordinates recognition events, etc.
• Help ensure compliance with university regulations, policies, and procedures regarding marketing and communications, solicitation and acceptance of gifts, and alumni and support group policies.
• Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects
• Write an annual work plan that includes quantifiable metrics and objectives; Track and report progress using specific metrics.
• Collaborates with staff, faculty and leadership to create and manage prospect portfolios and to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Builds and maintains productive working relationships with staff and leadership.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Advancement.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Teamwork: Exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; Give and welcome feedback; Contribute to building a positive team spirit; Put team success above own interests. Able to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; conserves organizational resources.
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have a strong knowledge of computer operating systems.
• Customer Service: Maintains professional demeanor when dealing with difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to staff needs; Solicits feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Interpersonal Skills: Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Oral and Written Communication: Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings; Communicates clearly and cogently with clients and staff; Reads and comprehends written and verbal instructions. Writes clearly and informatively.
• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction, and takes responsibility for own actions. Meets commitments and follows policies and procedures.

• Approximately 3-5 years of direct fundraising experience, preferably in an academic or comparable environment.
• Experience with fundraising database programs such as Raiser’s Edge is highly desired.
• Flexibility and skill in working with faculty, colleagues, and donors in a complex organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong grasp of fundraising concepts.

How to Apply: 

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing how they can contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire. 

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.