MAJOR GIFT OFFICER - DEVELOPMENT / FUNDRAISING
Current Employment Opportunities
Department of University Advancement
Major Gift Officer – 2 positions
Department of University Advancement
Full Time
Job Description
Major Gift Officers plays an integral role in furthering SEMO’s mission through philanthropic and outreach efforts by building a comprehensive solicitation strategy, with emphasis on growing and managing a portfolio of prospects. Major Gift Officers will personally conduct a minimum number of substantive contacts and solicitations each year and have the unique opportunity to engage with donors and prospects with varying areas of philanthropic interest and to work collaboratively across the SEMO campus providing seamless connections as they learn more about donor and prospect interests. This position will develop core volunteer leadership groups of alumni, friends, and community members to expand the number of people involved in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors with the goal of growing the major gift prospect pipeline and donor base.
SEMO Foundation is seeking two Major Gift Officers to serve on the development team. This is a great opportunity for individuals who are passionate about fundraising. A robust onboarding and engagement plan will set ambitious candidates up for a great future in higher education fundraising. We believe in making the dream of higher education attainable and preparing the next generation of leaders. We provide fundraising leadership and endowment stewardship to support needs and initiatives across Southeast Missouri State University. We work hard, celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone’s contributions matter. We are nimble and innovative, and we want you to bring your ideas and energy to join forces with some of the best talent in our industry.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and execute an annual operating plan with monthly accountability to meet or exceed major gift program goals and metrics focusing on the cultivation and solicitation of major and planned gifts
- Manage an active portfolio of prospects and donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, involving University leadership, faculty, staff, and development colleagues as appropriate
- Draft high-quality proposals, presentations, appeals, letters, emails, and other fundraising communications to support best practice donor engagement
- Provide leadership and direction on the development of all types of campaigns, from smaller campaigns for specific funding initiatives to large comprehensive and/or capital campaigns, while collaborating with the University administration, faculty, and staff as well as Advancement Division colleagues in the preparation and execution of these campaigns
- Work with University leadership, faculty, staff, and development colleagues to ensure proper use of funds
- Engage with Foundation Board members and other volunteers
- Represent the university and advancement division at campus, community, regional and nation-wide events and on committees
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Progressive experience in fundraising, sales or nonprofit leadership. Experience in higher education is a plus
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to tailor communications to multiple audiences
- Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with donors, prospects, and colleagues
- Demonstrated ability to use current computer technology, such as Microsoft Office, etc. Experience with a customer relationship management system (CRM) is a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering collaboration and successfully develop authentic relationships with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to think critically while analyzing and interpreting information and/or data
- Ability to handle multiple demands and/or manage complex and competing priorities
- Ability to travel and work independently outside of a traditional office environment including evenings and weekends
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere
Required Information & Deadline
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by May 17, 2023.
To Apply: Complete the online application by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the official job posting page. You will need to submit the following for your application materials to be complete.
- Letter of interest addressing all position qualifications
- Current resume
- Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for at a later date
Southeast Missouri State only accepts applications through our online application system (NEOGOV) and only for currently posted positions. To review job posting details, click on the job title of the position for which you are interested. To apply for the position, click on the "Apply" button at the top right of the position announcement. First time users will need to create an account with a username, password, and email address. Returning users, please use your existing username and password to sign in. It is important that your application is completed in full and contains the most up-to-date information; applications may not be considered if incomplete. Please note that if you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting your application then your submission did not go through to Southeast Missouri State University.
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