Major Gifts Officer

Company Description:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub

Job Description:

The Major Gifts Officer plays a key role in the overall growth of philanthropy at Clark University. As a member of the Major Gifts team and the University Advancement team, the Major Gifts Officer will have a leadership role in the strategy, planning, and stewardship of his/her assigned prospects.

Major Gifts Officers will work directly with faculty departments and other areas of the university to be fully engaged in connecting their prospects to their interests at Clark University.

• Effectively manage a major gift portfolio.
  • Initiate and/or strengthen relationships with major gift prospects; create strategies for and solicit donors capable of contributing $50,000-$500,000.
  • Participate directly in the cultivation, solicitation and closure of gifts.
  • Develop individualized strategies through collaboration with colleagues and faculty.
  • Identify new prospects and opportunities for philanthropic support as appropriate.
• Coordinate activities with Alumni and Friends Engagement and Planned Giving, and other major gifts officers, ensuring prospects and donors are appropriately involved in University-wide events and activities as appropriate.
• Continuously update the prospect management database with relevant information related to donor strategies, contacts, and results.
• Appropriately steward donors in a timely manner in accordance with University Advancement procedures.
• Uphold the University's giving policies and procedures.
• Enhance professional skills through seminars, conferences, training, and individual mentoring.
• Other duties as required by the Executive Director of Major Gifts.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree, required.
• A record of accomplishment in individual major gift fundraising and experience in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Excellent time management skills, ability to work independently and travel.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising?able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contact with potential donors; (2) to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with other volunteers and University administrators and faculty; (3) to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion towards solicitation and closure; (4) to make solicitations when appropriate; (5) to maintain stewardship contacts with donors.
• Develop a deep knowledge of Clark University, the culture, community and academic and co-curricular strengths.
• Develop a deep understanding of the priorities and needs of Clark University.
• General knowledge of tax laws that affect charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
• Superb oral, written and interpersonal skills.
• Solid relationship building skills, able to interface with alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and trustees.
• Ability to work collegially within Advancement and across all University units.

Additional requirements:

• Personal belief in the mission, goals and objectives of private higher education
• Very strong listening skills
• Integrity
• Self-motivation and self-starting
• Passion for fundraising
• Enthusiasm and high energy level
• Desire to have fun while working in an environment of intelligent, highly motivated people

This is a Full-time position with excellent benefits, which include employee and family tuition benefits, 4 weeks' vacation, generous retirement plan, free use of campus fitness center and many more.

Additional Information:

Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Apply Online