Senior Major Gifts Officer

Senior Major Gifts Officer

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R07525

Position Overview

The Senior Major Gift Officer will be responsible for independently managing a portfolio of approximately 100 - 125 prospects, in regional and local areas, with the potential to give $100,000+ to the University and supporting a consistently high level of service to our alumnae/i, prospects, donors, and internal partners.

Philanthropy at Simmons

Simmons is in the midst of an exciting period of innovation and change that has generated opportunities financially, academically, and operationally. In turn, new investments in philanthropy are aligned with the school's vision of the future and strategic priorities. Partnership with the Board and the President in the advancement effort is extraordinary, and complemented by a committed and engaged faculty. Because the majority of individual donors to Simmons are women, engagement strategies specific to this affinity group are a key priority. Bold changes in the structure of academic units, curriculum development, and physical space on campus are creating space for our community to participate in fundraising opportunities that are developed, and solicited.

Simmons completed a comprehensive $100M capital campaign in 2015, the largest in the University's history. The Annual Fund generates $5m-$6M annually, and there are ambitious goals to increase unrestricted funding and restricted funding in key areas of growth across the University to broaden the base of support from alumni and friends. The Advancement office is a close-knit and growing team, committed to collaboration, accountability, innovation and performance consistent with established practices and expectations of higher education industry leaders. The new Senior Major Gift Officer will play a significant role in engaging prospects to increase philanthropic support for Simmons.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Field Work:

• Complete and submit to bi-weekly contact and progress reports;
  
• Uphold standards for contact tracking in divisional database;
  
• Collaborate effectively and efficiently with the Prospect Development and Donor Relations & Stewardship staffs;
  
• Develop a detailed understanding of the funding needs and priorities of the University, its College's, and departments and promotion of same;
  
• Demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the history and alumnae/i of the University;
  
• Demonstrate a growing aptitude for contacts, field work, and promotion of development goals;
  
• Develop and implement strategies to move prospects through engagement pipeline with express purpose of securing significant financial support, and to improve overall cultivation and engagement of assigned territories;
  
• Represent the priorities of the University and the Advancement division in all internal and external contacts; collaborate with departmental peers and those in Annual Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and Alumnae/i Engagement on regional and prospect strategies;
  
• Support the goals of the Planned Giving program and develop a core facility with planned giving prospect discussions;
  
• Work with and support leadership volunteers.
  

Project Management:

• Conduct limited project management and support as needed: This may include, but is not limited to or necessarily inclusive of: (1) Support of special events (including attendance) and other special departmental or college-wide efforts, particularly those involving rated prospects or volunteers. (2) Serve on other committees or task forces that advance prospect relationships and the overall goals of the College.
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required;
  
• 5-8 years related work experience required;
  
• Minimum of five years of experience soliciting annual or major gifts and meeting quantified individual and team goals as part of a development department within higher education or related non-profit organization;
  
• Minimum of one year supervisory/management experience required.
  

Other Qualifications:

• Superior written and oral communication skills;
  
• Comfort and proficiency using personal computers, tablets, and software programs for retrieving, organizing, researching, and presenting appropriate donor/prospect information; proficiency with MS Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
  
• Proven ability to advocate for a strong partnership between engagement activities and philanthropy in a fast-paced environment;
  
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, team environment;
  
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve common goals; support cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of information while providing the highest level of service to a variety of constituents; and
  
• A deep appreciation for and an ability to successfully articulate the educational mission and aspirations of Simmons to build support for the University's vision of the future.
  

Working Conditions:

• Flexibility and willingness to travel as a representative of Simmons.
  

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Salary Grade
S10

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the "Resume/CV" box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Senior-Major-Gifts-Officer_R07525

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.