Job Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer is a senior development officer assigned to high level prospective donors with an emphasis on health sciences. This position’s primary focus is identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-level prospective donors who have the capacity to make major and transformative gifts to the University. The individual will serve as a visible frontline fundraiser and manage a portfolio of 100-125 individuals who have the capacity to give $50,000 or more. This position develops strategy as well as conducts the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives for the individuals assigned. Experience in development around health sciences is preferred.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES :

1. Travels bi-weekly to identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit outright and deferred major gifts.

2. Completes a minimum of 100 unique donor visits/touches and 15 solicitations of $50,000 or more annually.

3. Through personal contact, including visits, use of telephone and through written correspondence, maintains consistent contact with assigned donors and prospective donors.

4. Cultivates donors and prospective donors by imparting information and ideas about the University.

5. Based upon evaluations of giving potential, solicits financial support for unrestricted and restricted use from assigned donors and prospective donors.

6. Prepares written proposals, informational materials, gift illustrations, and other materials to secure major gifts.

7. Writes acknowledgements for support in conjunction with the Manager of Donor Relations and Scholarships, as well as follow-up correspondence and contact reports.

8. In conjunction with the work of the Manager of Prospect Research and Database, participates in the compilation of information about donors and prospective donors.

9. Participates in Monthly Prospect Review Meetings and reports results of individual contacts as applicable.

10. Provides stewardship to assigned major donor prospects by working with the Stewardship team to prepare endowment agreements, special reports to donors on the use of their funds, and recognition activities.

11. Participates in University Advancement internal planning and reporting activity.

12. Develops and manages a budget for outreach, travel and cultivation activities in assigned region.

13. Coordinates donor visits and events with University representatives, including the President, and faculty and students when appropriate. Facilitates and participates in donor visits with University representatives. Prepares donor briefings and cultivation strategies.

14. Attends all, major on-campus alumni events; participate in regional events, designed to engage donors and prospective donors in the University.

15. Assists in the implementation of other University Advancement initiatives and activities as assigned.

16. Maintains professional connections in and knowledge of the field through conference and college visits.

17. Performs other work related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree required in a related field. Experience in health sciences fundraising is preferred.

2. Minimum of 4-6 years major gift or related experience and demonstrated record of fundraising or sales success.

3. Experience in higher education development or non-profit setting preferred.

4. Superior interpersonal and communication skills; ability to articulate the characteristics of an independent liberal arts education, and to make a compelling case for support for Fairleigh Dickinson University.

5. A high level of intellectual and informational curiosity.

6. Computer proficiency for word processing, spreadsheet and data management applications. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and Excel, and major gift prospect programs preferred. An understanding of Raiser’s Edge a plus.

7. The ability to work inside and outside of an office environment and an enthusiasm for this type of approach.

8. The ability to travel both within the tri-state area and nationally. Must have a valid driver’s license and accessibility to a car.

9. A dedication to a high level of integrity and professionalism.

10. A dedication to personal/professional growth.

11. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Candidates for hire will be required to sign a waiver authorizing the background check and produce a Social Security Card.

Status: Full-Time

Campus: Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, NJ

Hiring Manager: Colleen Coppla

Department: University Advancement-Metro