Senior Major Gifts Officer

Arcadia University is entering an exciting and ambitious era of philanthropy - one defined by bold ideas of preparing our students to be world-ready while setting records for our success in attaining philanthropic support. As the University advances its vision for the future in Arcadia 2030, the Senior Major Gifts Officer will play a central role in demonstrating what fundraising can accomplish for Arcadia and the students, programs, and communities it serves. The Senior Major Gifts Officer is a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven fundraising professional responsible for inspiring philanthropy and securing transformational investments of $25,000 and above. This individual will have the opportunity to think creatively about how Arcadia engages alumni, families, friends, partners, and other supporters; develops compelling philanthropic opportunities; and connects donors’ passions with the University’s boldest priorities. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Major Gifts Officer will be a vital member of Arcadia’s fundraising team and will be responsible for the full spectrum of the major gift cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, stewardship, and long-term relationship building. Location Glenside Responsibilities Portfolio Management and Major Gift Fundraising Independently manage a strategic portfolio of approximately 150 current and prospective donors, with responsibility for the full donor engagement cycle, including identification, qualification, discovery, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and ongoing relationship management. Develop and execute individualized engagement and solicitation strategies for assigned prospects. Secure major gifts of $25,000 and above, including both current-use and multi-year commitments. Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified major gift prospects, continuously identifying new individuals with the capacity, affinity, and philanthropic interest to support Arcadia University. Conduct donor and prospective donor meetings annually, including discovery visits designed to identify and qualify new philanthropic prospects and deepen relationships with existing donors. Develop and present major gift proposals at the $25,000 level or above, advancing opportunities for both unrestricted and restricted support aligned with institutional priorities. Personally solicit and close philanthropic commitments from assigned prospects and maintain clear strategies for moving donors through the pipeline toward increasingly significant levels of investment. Pursue opportunities to maximize philanthropic impact through creative and blended giving strategies, including current-use gifts, multi-year commitments, and other giving structures that enhance outcomes for both the donor and the University. Build and actively manage a qualified portfolio; establish a strong pipeline of $25K+ opportunities; develop a meaningful athletics fundraising strategy/portfolio; close priority gifts; and become a strong partner to the President, Advancement leadership, and colleagues. Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation of donor interactions, strategies, proposals, and next steps in the University’s constituent relationship management system. Donor Strategy and Collaboration Build authentic, long-term relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and other supporters by understanding their interests, philanthropic motivations, and connections to Arcadia. Develop and execute creative cultivation and engagement strategies that strengthen donor relationships and create meaningful opportunities for involvement with the University. Identify opportunities to increase donor retention and encourage donors to deepen or expand their philanthropic support over time. Collaborate with colleagues across University Advancement to coordinate outreach and engagement strategies for shared prospects and ensure a cohesive and exceptional donor experience. Collaborate with annual giving colleagues to strengthen the University’s unrestricted giving strategy and identify opportunities to transition annual donors into the major gift pipeline. Serve as a strategic thought partner within University Advancement by contributing ideas, market intelligence, donor insights, and innovative approaches that strengthen the University’s overall fundraising strategy. Athletics Philanthropy Lead strategic fundraising efforts for assigned priorities within Arcadia Athletics, with responsibility for building and expanding a philanthropic pipeline among alumni, former student-athletes, families, and other supporters. Develop innovative and compelling approaches to athletics philanthropy. Partner closely with Athletics leadership, coaches, and University Advancement colleagues to identify philanthropic priorities and develop coordinated cultivation and solicitation strategies. Build a portfolio of athletics-focused prospects and create opportunities for donors to make both restricted investments in Athletics and unrestricted investments in the University. Contribute to a culture of high performance, collaboration, accountability, innovation, and results within University Advancement. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of 5 years of successful, demonstrated experience in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, or other comparable experience. Proven track record of cultivating and securing five-figure gifts and above, as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies. Strong written, oral and presentation communication skills, and have experience in developing clear and concise major gift proposals. Ability to think strategically and creatively, possess excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of completing assignments. Strong attention to detail and strong project management skills. Proficiency in Google Suite and Rais’er Edge or similar database systems. Position requires frequent travel and occasional attendance at University Advancement events in the evenings and weekends. Arcadia University is a top-ranked private University in Greater Philadelphia that provides a values-based, authentic educational experience by placing students at the center. The Institute of International Education has consistently ranked Arcadia first in the nation for study abroad, and the Princeton Review has ranked Arcadia among the "Best in the Northeast" for 10 consecutive years. The University’s graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Education, and Public Health are nationally ranked in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report, which cites Arcadia for being among the top study abroad programs and a top performer for social mobility. Arcadia is home to a close-knit and welcoming community that supports students throughout their journey. Arcadia’s quality academic programs, unique approach to a liberal arts education, and supportive community guide students toward degree completion and career success. Learn more about our vibrant community at We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our community. The successful candidate will demonstrate examples of ways they will incorporate our values in their work. Arcadia offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, generous tuition benefits for employees and their families, retirement benefits, health and wellness programs and resources, and much more. Position Code: AC0263 #J-18808-Ljbffr Arcadia University