Major Gifts Officer (999746)

Job Description for Major Gift Officer

Overview

Xavier University is seeking applications for the position of Major Gifts Officer. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Advancement, this candidate will be a member of the University Advancement division and will be part of the Major and Planned Giving team. The ideal candidate will advance relationships with prospective donors with a focus in the Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton markets. This candidate will need to secure leadership annual gift ($1,000 or greater), and major and planned gifts of $50,000 or more to Xavier University.

Under the leadership of Dr. Colleen Hanycz, Xavier University’s 35^th President, we have embarked on an exciting path as we implement our University Strategic Plan. We just launched our $500 million capital campaign—For One. For All. Forever. that will help fund some key initiatives for this plan and we are looking for an innovative, data-driven, positive candidate to join our team!

Job Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

·         Develop an annual plan to identify, qualify and cultivate prospects; solicit and close leadership annual, major and planned gifts. The portfolio will consist of some local and regional prospects. Travel will be required.

·         Work closely with our Internal Operations team on the moves management process in an effort to develop strategies for donors and prospects

·         Collaborate with University Advancement colleagues to support other University-wide fundraising goals

Strategic Partnerships

·         Collaborate with the Annual Fund, Major and Planned Giving Officers

·         Work closely with various stakeholders around campus to identify annual, major and planned giving prospects for funding opportunities

·         Work with Internal Operations team to utilize data analytics and customer/donor journeys to identify and move prospects through the moves management pipeline

Reporting and Data Management

·         Complete and file timely call reports of donors and prospects within our CRM (Salesforce-Ascend)

·         Have a working knowledge of Tableau Reporting Services

·         Develop and prepare comprehensive solicitation proposals to support key funding initiatives

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a positive attitude to meet and exceed fundraising goals. Knowledge of a Jesuit, Catholic education a plus. Bachelor’s degree is required, and a minimum three to five years’ experience with a development, sales or marketing background. Knowledge of Higher Education and or business familiarity with the characteristics of a comprehensive university is a plus; demonstrated ability to solicit and close major and planned ($50,000+) gifts. Some travel and work during the evenings and weekends will be required.  Please submit a cover letter and examples of fundraising or sales success from the past one to five years.

Knowledge of: administrative planning including goal setting, prospect management, and strategic engagement principles. Managing an operational budget is required. Proficiency in various office applications (Salesforce/Ascend, Tableau Reporting Services, Microsoft Office, etc.)

Strong communication skills, including the ability to write and edit clear and compelling funding proposals. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information. Ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a fast paced environment. Need to work independently, collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities.  Other duties could be assigned by the Associate Vice President for University Relations.

HOW TO APPLY:

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter, examples of fundraising or sales success from the past one to five years, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references on Xavier University's website by October 22, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position closes at the University’s discretion. 

BENEFITS:

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.

·       Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

·       Flexible work environment, including ability to work two days remotely each week.

·       Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

·       Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.

·       Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.

·       Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.