Major Gift Officer

The Major Gifts Officer at Salem Academy & College (“Salem”) will manage a substantial prospect portfolio of individual donors whose gifts and grants will directly impact the development of Salem’s distinctive mission and programs. Responsibilities will include researching and identifying prospects, engaging these prospects through phone calls, remote meetings, face to face meetings, invitations to campus, and introductions to faculty, students and administrators. As a member of the Institutional Advancement Office, the Major Gifts Officer will work in conjunction with team members to further the direction, planning, implementation, and evaluation of philanthropy-related activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Donor Development and Solicitation

• Research and identify major prospects (within the current donor base and new donor prospects);
• Build and manage a portfolio of individuals to secure maximum support; 
• Develop strategies and prepare proposals for major gift prospects whose philanthropic purposes most closely parallel Salem’s mission and foci;
• Work closely with campaign counsel and volunteer boards around fundraising strategies;
• Identify common priorities and work to align the prospective donor’s philanthropic philosophy with Salem’s institutional priorities;
• Encourage and prepare campus site visits (or appropriate virtual meetings) for major gift prospects;
• Work closely with the Academy and College leadership to include the President, Head of School, Vice Presidents, Deans, and volunteers on leadership prospect cultivation, solicitation, and strategies for achieving institutional priorities;
• Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement team on the development and execution of fundraising goals;
• Help develop the vision and annual strategic plan for the Institutional Advancement Office;
• Work in concert with the Institutional Advancement team, campaign counsel and volunteer leadership to increase the number of donors and the level of campaign and annual giving;
• Promote a positive image and positive external relations for the institution by communicating and interacting with donors and potential donors in matters related to Advancement Services;
• Represent the institution in various activities and events near and far designed to promote the institution in particular and higher education in general, serving on appropriate boards and committees;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of at least five (5) years of professional fundraising experience, with emphasis on major gifts, is preferred;

• A proven successful track record of soliciting and closing major gifts, recruiting and managing volunteers, and cultivation of major donors and donor prospects, is highly desirable;
• Proven record of successful leadership and performance at an equivalent level within an organization;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must possess the skills to collaborate, communicate and cooperatively work with faculty, staff and administration;
• Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Strong written and presentation skills with proven success in soliciting funds;
• Strong computer skills to include: Word, Excel, Zoom, Google Meets, and/or other online meeting tools, and the ability to conduct Internet research;
• Skilled use of Microsoft Office software, as well as presentation and website applications expected. Experience with Raisers’ Edge is preferred;
• Commitment to the values and environment of an educational institution and its mission and goals;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise effective independent judgment and efficiently manage tasks and time;
• Ability to be analytical, use and generate statistical information for tracking and reporting on overall donor activity and giving results;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with fluctuating priorities and deadlines;
• Ability to deal effectively with confidential information;
• Ability to travel extensively. If driving a personal or a Salem vehicle on institutional business, a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record are required.

Physical Functions

While performing the responsibilities of the Major Gifts Officer, the employee is required to sit for varying lengths of time; bend, reach, lift, push, and pull up to 25 pounds; occasionally stand, walk, and kneel and regularly ascend/descend stairs; use hands and fingers to handle or feel and manipulate keys on a keyboard; perform extended periods of work at a computer workstation, view a computer monitor; perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and receive detailed information through oral communication; express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word; and work in an office setting.

Salem Academy and College is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law in its employment practices.