Major Gifts Officer/Campaign Manager

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we're here for all - and focused on each - of our students. As a 2019 Top Ten Public College, classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. Nearly 93% of our graduates land competitive jobs or are accepted by some of the best grad schools in the country. We engage in the most nationally relevant conversations by hosting some of the most celebrated thinkers and speakers on our campus in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, an area known for its mountain ranges, hiking trails, and panoramic views. Our home town of North Adams is brimming with creative energy and the regional economy is booming as a result. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate you as an individual, a leader, and a communicator, fully empowered to make your impression on the world.


Job Description:

MCLA is accepting applications for a Major Gifts Officer/Campaign Manager.

The MGOCM is the professional responsible for the weekly planning, organization, research, and implementation of a comprehensive fund-raising campaign, working under the supervision of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement (VPIA) and in consultation with colleagues, the College President, and Campaign Counsel. The MGOCM coordinates identification, enlistment, and training of volunteers; identification, engagement, and solicitation of prospects.

The MGOCM keeps campaign activities within a specific and limited timetable. The position is the central clearing house through which all campaign volunteers function and from which vision, reinforcement, patience, persistence, and judgment regarding campaign activities come.

In consultation with the VPIA and Campaign Counsel, the MGOCM determines how and to whom the agreed-upon campaign is directed; monitors the number and type of prospects needed and available; brings a professional knowledge of how to solicit campaign prospects; implements the plan and timetable; and sells that plan to all volunteers of the campaign.

The MGOCM is primarily responsible and accountable to the VPIA, and the Campaign Chair(s), in consultation with Senior Campaign Counsel on a weekly basis, and depends upon the same for the implementation of the campaign plan. He/she must maintain a relationship based upon mutual respect and confidence, objectivity, and insistence on accepted campaign methods.

This is a Campaign funded position - if not renegotiated - will end by June 30, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with Advancement staff to set up the office and identify, develop, and prepare the files of prospective donors and volunteers, with guidance from Campaign Counsel's Associate.
• Carry out a tailored campaign strategy developed with input from the VPIA and the Campaign Counsel team, based on feedback and analysis from the campaign planning service, one-on-one interviews, and advice and guidance from the Campaign Cabinet, Board members, and other philanthropic partners and colleagues.
• Manage the development of the written case for support after seeking counsel and samples from similar organizations. This document must have clear and specific opportunities outlined, as well as preliminary plans, a definite budget, and an accurate estimate of costs; and it must reflect the highest aspirations of the College's leaders, whose voices must be expressed in the values and goals agreed upon and outlined.
• Work with the Campaign Cabinet and staff to identify, qualify, and engage prospects necessary to achieve the campaign's standards of giving for optimum success.
• Facilitate the formal enlistment of all soliciting volunteers as well as non-soliciting committees involved in the campaign.
• Manage all volunteer assignments and make recommendations to the Campaign Division Chairs on who solicits whom, when, and how, with individualized solicitor briefings and prospect proposals for major prospects. Together with Campaign Counsel and the VPIA, design individualized solicitation proposals for each Board member and Top 50 prospects. Advance agreed-upon, dynamic strategies to ensure that sufficient time and attention are paid to this group that will likely give over 75% of the entire goal.
• Oversee volunteer training utilizing a training manual, workshops, and individual briefings, utilizing Campaign Counsel and other resources as may be required.
• Manage the campaign timetable and keep meetings, events, and goals on schedule.
• Follow a campaign organizational chart to establish the type of worker and number of volunteers needed. Develop and refine job duties. Work with the Campaign Cabinet to select the best possible person for each task.
• Manage the overall organization of information and report meetings.
• Support efficient campaign mechanics to control the campaign and maximize efficiency.
• Partner with colleagues to establish a pledge collection system that assures the maximum payment of pledges and the continued goodwill of contributors.
• Partner with colleagues, Campaign Counsel, and volunteer leaders to build a culture of philanthropy resulting in improved and sustainable Advancement outcomes.
• Manage and solicit a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects ($10,000+ per gift), including those interested in a planned gift. Travel to meet existing and prospective donors. Initiate contacts with potential leadership and major gift donors. Develop appropriate cultivation strategies, working closely with Institutional Advancement staff.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five to seven years successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and our organization.
• Ability to write compelling letters and proposals.
• Detailed oriented.
• Experience in or involvement with roll out of capital campaign preferred.
• Interest in the MCLA mission and a dedication to promoting the organization's fundraising priorities through building strong relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, benefited position in the APA bargaining unit. The salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000.

This position will remain open until filled.

It is the policy of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by MCLA, to be verified after an offer of employment has been made, and as part of the background check process. Prospective employees may submit a request for exemption based on a religious and/or medical basis, to Human Resources.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and affirmative action in its educational programs, activities and employment practices. The college complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations advancing equal employment. Applicants who will enrich the diversity of the campus community are strongly encouraged to apply. Visit www.mcla.edu .


Application Instructions:

Applicants should electronically submit a letter of interest, resume and 3 letters of reference by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.

Company

We’re the public liberal arts college in Massachusetts. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate you as an individual, a leader, and a communicator, fully empowered to make your impression on the world.

Located in the Berkshires, our area is known for its mountain ranges, hiking trails, and panoramic views. Our home town of North Adams is brimming with young, creative energy and the regional economy is booming as a result.

Our classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching and about seeing their students thrive on every level; personally, academically, and professionally. We engage in the most relevant conversations of our time by bringing the most celebrated thinkers and speakers to campus through nationally known public lectures hosted by MCLA.

The Office of Human Resources and Payroll at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts recognizes our most important resources are our faculty, administrators, and staff.

In furthering this mission of the College as well as embracing the diversity and excellence of the Campus, we strive to provide our employees dedicated professional support encompassing job searches, benefits, professional development, and personal growth.