Major Gifts Officer - Gift Planning

Job Title: Major Gifts Officer - Gift Planning

Department: Development / Advancement Division
Reports to: Director of Gift Planning
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Calvin University by building meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends who share a passion for Christian higher education and the formation of students as Christ's agents of renewal in the world. This is more than a fundraising role, it is an opportunity to invite donors into a larger story of impact, transformation, and kingdom work.

This position leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of significant charitable gifts, managing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects across the United States. With a strong emphasis on proactive prospecting, new donor discovery, and relationship-building, the Major Gifts Officer helps expand Calvin's network of generous partners who believe in the university's mission and future.

The ideal candidate is energized by people, inspired by purpose, and motivated by the excitement of building something - developing a pipeline, opening new doors, and helping donors make joyful, transformational decisions. Gift planning strategies will serve as a valuable tool within donor conversations, along with major gift development and long-term donor engagement.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative fundraiser who enjoys travel, meaningful conversations, and the privilege of connecting generous people with opportunities that shape lives for generations. Through strategic outreach and mission-centered relationship building, the Major Gifts Officer helps ensure Calvin continues equipping students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ's agents of renewal.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Major Gift Development & Prospecting

Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, moving relationships through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Actively identify, research, and engage new prospective donors to expand Calvin's major gift pipeline and increase charitable gifts. Develop and execute creative, strategic engagement plans that inspire deeper donor involvement and increased giving. Conduct regular outreach, travel, and in-person visits to build authentic relationships and uncover new opportunities for partnership. Collaborate with advancement leadership and campus partners to connect donor passions with projects and priorities.

Donor Strategy & Relationship Management

Build trusted, long-term relationships with donors by understanding their passions, values, and charitable and legacy giving goals. Create compelling proposals, personalized communications, and tailored giving opportunities that invite donors into meaningful partnership through both current and future gifts. Serve as a consultative partner to donors, thoughtfully incorporating planned giving strategies when they support donor goals and maximize impact. Work collaboratively with internal colleagues to ensure an excellent donor experience marked by responsiveness, care, and strong stewardship.

Gift Planning Support

Introduce planned giving opportunities as part of broader major gift strategies when aligned with donor interests and long-term planning. Partner with the Director of Gift Planning on more complex gift conversations and technical planning needs. Maintain a working knowledge of estate planning, tax-wise giving, and non-cash asset strategies to support holistic donor discussions.

Program Collaboration & Growth

Support engagement and stewardship opportunities related to legacy giving societies, including the William Spoelhof Society, as part of overall donor relationship strategy. Collaborate on outreach and marketing initiatives that help identify and engage new major gift prospects. Bring energy, creativity, and strategic insight to a collaborative advancement team committed to growth, mission impact, and donor-centered fundraising.

What Success Looks Like

• A consistently growing pipeline of qualified major gift prospects through discovery and cultivation
• Increased donor engagement and upgraded giving levels in current and future giving
• Strong performance in securing major gift commitments
• Strategic use of gift planning as a tool to close and maximize gifts
• Expanded relationships that strengthen long-term support for Calvin University

Competency / Skill Requirements:

Affirmation of the Christian faith as expressed by the Reformed creeds Knowledge of Calvin alumni and the Christian Reformed Church Must have an understanding and appreciation for Calvin University's mission and the capacity to project the unique aims and values of the institution to prospective donors Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills - with a high attention to detail, and accuracy of work product Able to manage multiple projects / issues concurrently, while still maintaining deadlines Able to work effectively in a team environment and independently, with considerable latitude for exercising judgment and self-direction Able to adapt to and support all new and rapidly changing technologies Able and willing to travel as needed Displays a high level of personal integrity


Education, Experience, and other Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Business Administration or related area
• Three to five years of experience and a working knowledge of gift planning and charitable giving strategies or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Solid knowledge of computers, MS Office applications
• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends as needed

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions, usually without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Proofreading and checking documents for accuracy.
• Using a keyboard to enter, retrieve, or transform data. Closely observes monitoring devices for 2 hours or more at a time.
• Lifting 5 lbs. or less.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.