Sr. Campaign & Major Gifts Officer

1. Reporting Relationships

Position Reports to: Vice President for Institutional Advancement & University Communications

1. Basic Function

The Senior Campaign & Major Gifts Officer works closely with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement & University Communications (VPIA) and Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement (AVPIA) to actively drive fundraising efforts from individual donors with a focus on five to seven figure gifts in support of annual fundraising and multi-year campaign fundraising. The position will serve as the primary steward and solicitor of a rotating portfolio of approximately 50-60 major and planned giving prospects and donors. The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraiser and a self-directed team member who cultivates and stewards strong relationships with major and planned giving prospects and donors to deepen engagement and increase philanthropic support. Participation in this fast-paced work environment includes some weekend and evening hours as well as occasional travel for face to face visits with donors and prospects.

1. Essential Functions

1. Work with the VPIA and AVPIA to develop and refine major gift strategies to increase individual giving for both the annual fund and existing campaign efforts.
2. Manage a rotating portfolio of 50-60 major and planned giving prospects; identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors.
3. Conduct a minimum of 10 donor/prospect visits monthly.
4. Work with the VPIA and AVPIA to create briefings and proposals for prospect meetings; compile contact reports and develop next action steps within the moves management process; track donor activity within Raiser's Edge NXT.
5. Determine whether an individual is capable of making a major gift and devise appropriate strategies and actions to bring this individual to solicitation and closure.
6. Monitor and advise on donor and prospect strategies from conception through execution to cultivate and steward donors and prospects as they are moved from initial contact through solicitation to gift closure
7. Make numerous decisions on cultivation time committed versus expected gift response, determine who needs to be involved in the relationship with the prospective donor, and decide the most effective and productive use of visits and/or travel time.
8. Work with VPIA and AVPIA to achieve and reach determined fundraising goals.
9. Work with the VPIA and AVPIA to affirm and attain the goals set annually for campaign revenue growth, number of face-to-face visits made, and number of prospects identified.
10. Articulate the case for support so that individuals understand, appreciate and "buy in" to the mission, vision, and goals of Notre Dame of Maryland University including the campaign components.
11. Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude and convey sensitivities to the needs of donors.
12. Performs such similar, comparable or related duties as may be assigned or required.

1. Qualifications

Knowledge: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience: at least 10 years' experience in a fundraising position of similar responsibility and authority with proven track record of success, preferably in higher education. Success in cultivating and closing six and seven-figure gifts. Experience with strategic fundraising campaigns.


Skills/Aptitude: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and comfortable navigating a donor database, preferably Raiser's Edge NXT. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to achieve results in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines. Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written, a background in fundraising/nonprofit management preferred, ideally in major, campaign, or leadership gifts.


Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some evening and weekends required. Valid driver's license required. Local, regional and national travel required.

Training Requirements:

1. Preventing Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
2. FERPA
3. Title IX
4. Hazard Communication Right to Know
5. Active Shooter
6. Office Hazards
7. Mission Orientation