Major Gift Officer

Job Description:

Reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the Director of Development is a frontline major gift officer responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of 100-150 prospects and donors with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 and above. The Director plays a central role in advancing the institution's philanthropic priorities, fundraising campaigns and serves as a key ambassador for Maritime College.

Key Responsibilities

Major Gift Fundraising

• Manage a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects and donors; conduct a minimum of 150 substantive personal visits annually.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each portfolio member.
• Qualify new prospects through research, referrals, and travel; make clear, timely moves toward solicitation.
• Secure gifts of $25,000+ in support of institutional priorities including endowed scholarships, academic programs, athletic program funds, and capital projects.
• Collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and senior leadership to align donor interests with institutional needs and opportunities.

Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Build authentic, long-term relationships with donors, prospects, and volunteer leaders that reflect the institution's values and culture.
• Partner with leadership and advancement staff to structure complex gifts including endowed scholarships, sponsorships, bequests, and other planned giving vehicles.
• Design and deliver meaningful stewardship experiences that deepen donor engagement and loyalty.
• Represent the institution at campus events, donor recognition programs, and community gatherings.

Pipeline Development

• Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects through alumni engagement, event follow-up, and referrals.
• Partner with the annual giving and mid-level giving programs to identify donors ready for major gift cultivation.
• Contribute to prospect strategy sessions and peer screenings across the development team.
• Collaborate with central advancement services, donor relations, communications, and research teams.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of all contacts, proposals, and gift commitments in the Raiser's Edge.
• Participate in professional development activities and contribute to a culture of philanthropy across campus.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• ?Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success closing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Proven ability to build trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropic foundations.
• Exceptional communication skills ? written, verbal, and listening ? with the ability to inspire and persuade diverse audiences.
• High degree of self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to work independently while functioning as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally and nationally; some evenings and weekends required.
• Experience with fundraising CRM software and commitment to data integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or comparable complex institutional fundraising environment.
• ?Familiarity with planned giving concepts and the ability to introduce these conversations with donors.
• Experience working with volunteers, advisory boards, or campaign committees.

Additional Information:

Classification/Salary Range: The Major Gift Officer is a UUP position. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and includes an outstanding benefits package (For more information please see the UUP Benefits Summary). Review of applications to commence immediately and conclude when the position is filled.

Special Notes: This is a full-time calendar year appointment UUP Position. Fair Labor Standard Acts (FLSA) Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Internal and external search to occur simultaneously.


Budget Title: Staff Associate
Local Title: Major Gift Officer
Line #: 00555

SUNY Maritime College is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disabled/Affirmative Action employer, committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. For our full non-discrimination statement, see:

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Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should apply online. Please submit:

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter with salary requirements
• Contact information for three professional references
• A description of their teaching philosophy and research interests, as well as a statement addressing how their past and/ or potential contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion will advance Maritime College's commitment to inclusive student excellence

Returning Applicants, Login to your SUNY Maritime Careers Account to check your completed application, check/edits your profile or to upload additional documents.