Major Gifts Officer

Overview

The Major Gifts Officer maintains responsibility for managing a pool of approximately 125 – 150 major gifts prospects in defined geographic regions. They will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major gifts level donor prospects/donors while designing and implementing coordinated and individualized outreach and engagement strategies for these individuals.

Please upload a cover letter to be considered a qualified candidate.

Responsibilities

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of about 125 – 150 prospects on an annual basis, holding at least 125 annual visits with prospects.
• Visit prospective donors on their own and with administrators/colleagues.
• Develop long-term fundraising strategies for each assigned/identified donor.
• Develop gift ideas and solicits and stewards gifts.
• Work closely with Advancement colleagues to develop and execute prospect plans that strategically integrate gift planning, reunions, annual giving, and other priorities into the development and execution of high level fundraising strategies to enable the realization of established goals and objectives.
• Involved and engaged with potential new donors, prospects, and donors in the life of the School.
• Presents Lawrenceville’s mission and needs, effectively and articulately, to a variety of constituencies.
• Serve as a partner to the Lawrenceville Fund team, Gift Planning team, and Major Gifts colleagues by identifying new prospects and volunteers and supporting the goals of elevating unrestricted and flexibly restricted support at Lawrenceville.
• Strategically leverage senior administrators, faculty, trustees, and others in approaching potential donors and leading to the successful solicitation and closure of six- and seven- figure gifts.
• Direct and prepare detailed visit briefings, strategy documents, solicitation proposals, and stewardship reports both independently and with colleagues.
• Perform other duties as requested.
• Maintain and update donor information and prepare briefings and other reports for the School’s records.
• Maintain records on the Alumni and Development database.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred for this position as is at least five years of experience in fundraising, preferably at an educational institution, soliciting leadership gifts including some experience with leadership and planned gift fundraising.
• A successful track record as a fundraiser or transferable experience including direct solicitation, sales, or relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of fundraising and a record of success in closing six and seven-figure gifts.
• Highest standards of professionalism and performance as evidenced by collaborative teamwork, initiative, critical thinking, good judgment, consistency of output, timeliness in follow-through, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and command the respect of colleagues, volunteers, and donors.
• Ability to participate meaningfully and creatively in goal setting, long- and short-term strategic planning, and problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to set clear priorities and manage time well.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment regarding prospects and all other areas of performance without close day-to-day supervision.
• Ability to work with discretion at all times; must be able to keep all data confidential concerning Lawrenceville and its constituencies.
• Demonstrated success in motivating donors to make significant gifts.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the values and mission of Lawrenceville and secondary education.
• Extensive travel required (35% of working days)

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