Gift Officer - Scholarships

The Hill-Murray Gift Officer - Scholarships is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors supporting the Hill-Murray Foundation, located at St. Paul’s Monastery, which raises funds to benefit Hill-Murray School. The Gift Officer - Scholarships will manage a portfolio of 100 to 150 donors, working to secure significant philanthropic support for scholarships, capital projects, endowment growth, and other strategic initiatives. This position is critical in advancing the Foundation’s mission and strengthening donor relationships.

All Hill-Murray employees are expected to support, model, and champion Hill-Murray’s mission statement: Hill-Murray empowers students to reach their fullest potential by inspiring them to utilize their God-given strengths to become leaders who will make a positive difference in the world.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Relationship Management & Fundraising

• Develop and implement individualized engagement and solicitation strategies for major donors and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making gifts of $5,000+ or endowment commitments of $25,000+.
• Conduct a minimum of 12-15 monthly donor visits, including in-person and virtual meetings.
• Collaborate with School leadership, faculty, and staff to align fundraising priorities with donor interests.
• Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, and stewardship reports for major gift prospects.

Portfolio Development & Prospecting

• Maintain a dynamic portfolio of 100-150 donors, including current supporters and new prospects.
• Identify and qualify prospective donors through research and engagement strategies.
• Leverage donor data and wealth screening tools to maximize fundraising potential.
• Work with the Foundation and School leadership to develop and execute targeted donor campaigns.

Stewardship & Recognition

• Develop personalized stewardship plans to enhance donor retention and long-term engagement.
• Coordinate donor recognition efforts, including events, impact reports, and acknowledgment communications.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to highlight donor impact.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and development staff in achieving fundraising goals.
• Support capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives as needed.
• Represent the Hill-Murray Foundation at events, community functions, and networking opportunities.
• Ensure accurate donor records and activity tracking using Salesforce.

Event Management

• Planned and executed advancement fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events, including the Spring Auction/Benefit, Grandparents Day, Leadership and Teacher Appreciation Reception, memorials, and other celebrations as needed.
• Develop and manage the timeline and all logistical aspects of events (securing space/venue, negotiating contracts, hosting team and volunteer meetings, ordering supplies and food, creating and monitoring registrations and related reporting, working with internal and external vendors).
• Recruit, manage, and steward volunteers and related committees.
• Create and manage event budgets.
• Partner with the Executive Director of the HM Foundation to achieve annual revenue goals and provide financial and participant reports after each event.
• Partner with Database Services Administrator on data integrity and integration.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Communications colleagues on event invitations, journals, marketing materials, and social media content.
• Collaborate with Alumni and Annual Fund colleagues on event planning as needed.

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• 5-10 years of fundraising or sales experience, preferably in major gifts, development, or nonprofit advancement.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, professionally rigorous environment and manage multiple demands and deadlines.
• Benefit and auction event experience with proven frontline fundraising skills and demonstrated success metrics.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain long-term donor relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including donor proposal writing.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or other donor management systems is preferred.
• Proficiency in event planning software and programs.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in G-Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Firm grasp of the role of technology in fundraising and event management.
• Ability to work well independently and as a team player.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence
• Highly organized, results-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A passion for Catholic education and a commitment to the mission of Hill-Murray School.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of an independent school.

General Responsibilities of Catholic School Employment:

Employment in and by a Catholic school is substantially different from secular employment.  Catholic school employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the school.  An employee’s behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese to embarrass the school or give rise to scandal.  It is preferred that all employees be active, participating members of a faith community.