Senior Major Gift Officer

Senior Major Gift Officer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Senior Major Gift Officer.

Position Details


Location
Hattiesburg


118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States


Division
Development Office


Position Type
Staff


Employment Status
Full Time


Grant Funded
No


Pay Grade


E14

Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled


Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and the contact information for three (3) references.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary The SeniorMajor Gift Officer serves as a senior-level fundraiser responsible fordeveloping charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation.This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors witha focus on those capable of making principal-level gifts of $100,000 or more insupport of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitationgoals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty,staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals. Thisposition independently prioritizes goals set in consultation with supervisorsand assists Foundation management in the development and execution of thefundraising plan for the organization.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
2. Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
3. Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors with a focus on principal gift prospects. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed. Works with Communications team to develop individualized proposals for high-level gifts and to properly publicize gifts in accordance with donor preferences. Works with Donor Engagement team to create individualized stewardship plans for high-level gifts as appropriate.
4. Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
5. Proactively stays informed about current events and trends in philanthropy and fundraising. Mentors Major Gift and Development Officers in their continued development and professional growth. Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.
6. Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Salesand/or Marketing, Business or other relevant degree program from an accreditedcollege or university from an accredited college or university and at least fiveyears of development or similar experience at a university or other comparableorganization, or equivalent professional experience in communications,strategy, relationship building, project management and/or outside sales. Avalid MS driver's license is required. Possesses significant experience anddisplays sound knowledge of higher education fundraising processes andprocedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
• Reliable and punctual
• Honest and cooperative
• Professional and respectful
• Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one's own time
• Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple university units
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence to specifications
• Ability to understand, contextualize and organize complex information
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people in both oral and written forms
• Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, build support and inspire confidence of all audiences and stakeholders
• Ability to articulate alignment between university initiatives and organizational strategy
• Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
• Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
• Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
• Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
• Seeks opportunities for professional development
• Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficient in securing major gift donations and meeting individual metrics
• Possesses general knowledge of planned giving
• Proven ability to train and develop others

Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited college or university and/or holder of current Certified Fundraising Executive Certificate.


About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.


We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.