Senior Major Gifts Officer
Senior Major Gifts Officer
Under minimum supervision, the Senior Major Gifts Officer is responsible for raising principal gifts ($1 million and greater) to enable the unit to fulfill its mission and implement its programs and initiatives. This position is also responsible for providing strategy, leadership, direction, coordination, and management of all levels of giving.
About Auburn: Auburn University is a public land-grant university with strong academic and research programs, ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 50 public universities nationwide for 20 consecutive years. With more than 24,600 undergraduate students and a total enrollment of more than 30,000 with 1,330 faculty members, Auburn is the second-largest university in Alabama. Auburn University’s mission is rooted in the commitment to outstanding instruction, meaningful research, and life-changing outreach. From robust educational experiences to vibrant athletic pursuits, our traditions run deep.
Beyond the campus, Auburn provides the primary academic support for a number of major state industries, businesses, and occupations through its wide range of degree programs, professional education, and training. Auburn’s impact includes an earning capacity of more than $3.4 billion by Auburn graduates in Alabama.
Why employees choose Auburn: Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts and more. Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn.
Our commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit www.auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.
Essential Functions
- Collaborates with the VP of Philanthropy to design and implement fundraising strategies to meet the University’s annual and long term needs. Identifies, cultivates and solicits major gift prospects for gifts of $1 million or more to the Division to reach individual and unit goals. Completes between 100-140 significant face- to-face visits annually with focus on advancing prospects to close gifts. Presents proposals or make solicitations to secure private support to meet individual goals and goals of the constituency. Effectively works with donors to facilitate gifts.
- Creates and fosters an environment conducive to high performance and a cohesive team. Sets a positive example through actions. Monitors monthly gift and pledge totals; works with staff to strategize on solicitation and closing gifts. Coaches employees to improve performance and provides effective guidance and feedback to employees. Creates a learning environment, involves others and delegates appropriately, while dealing effectively with others in a conflict situation. Conducts annual performance plans and evaluations with staff, as assigned.
- Plans and/or attends events as a representative of Central Development as necessary to provide cultivation for probable donors and stewardship of donors. Organizes function(s) including food and beverage, audio/visual, programming, etc., according to departmental procedures and within established guidelines when necessary.
- Provides stewardship to include acknowledging donors, showing gratitude and demonstrating impact, and participating/attending events and functions.
- Participates in Central Development and Professional Development Meetings and Activities. Regularly attends Central Development Staff Meetings, monthly Team Meetings, and other meetings as directed by the VP of Philanthropy. Attends required special training provided or recommended by the Central Development Office, and/or Human Resources, and may include onsite or a regional or national conference as approved by the VP of Philanthropy,
- Updates and informs the VP of Philanthropy and other staff of goal status, new plans and proposals, and ensures that a cooperative team effort is made to meet goals and objectives
- Prepares budget with input provided by VP of Philanthropy, reviews and approves financial records, vouchers and acquisitions.
- Develops reports, records, and programs, and analyzes information necessary to plan and complete projects and
Education Level
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Field of Study
No specific discipline.
Years of Experience
7
Area of Experience
Gift solicitation, development, fundraising, or marketing experience with at least 2 or more years in a higher education setting.
A demonstrated record of successful major gift solicitations and experience designing and executing donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
Minimum Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of business acumen and office procedures; knowledge of advanced concepts, practices and procedures in the areas of fundraising, sales, marketing, recruiting, public relations, and must have the ability to adapt and respond appropriately to situations involving concurrent tasks.
Minimum License and Certifications
Must have a valid Driver’s License.
EEO Statement
Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
To apply: