Major Gifts Officer- Coker University

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Major Gifts Officer will seek private funding support for a variety of the University's initiatives and will be responsible for managing a portfolio of donor prospects. This highly visible position is responsible for generating significant revenue. The Major Gifts Officer will work with a high degree of independence while also collaborating with staff, faculty and campus leadership. The Major Gifts Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors at all levels with primary focus on gifts at the $25,000 and above, while promoting the University's planned giving initiatives and helping to develop a pipeline of prospective donors. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and will work as part of the Institutional Advancement team.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Identify and rate individual major gift prospects. Obtain information concerning financial capability, special interests, giving history, and current connections to Coker University.
• Draft and present written and verbal major gift ($25k and above) and planned giving proposals, presentations, and other communications to effectively align donor's giving desires and interests with the programs and operations of the University.
• Travel independently, and with other fundraisers and key leadership, as necessary to qualify, engage, cultivate, and solicit potential donors in person about major and planned giving opportunities (estimated travel, ranging from local appointments to out of state visits, to comprise up to 50% of work hours involving minimum of 125 meaningful annual contacts). Plans and manages own appointments and travel plans; timely follow-up on visits and other significant contacts.
• Provide stewardship over existing and future individual donors in portfolio.
• Build and maintain relationships with staff, faculty, alumni groups and boards, and other constituents.
• Track communications and interactions with donors and prospects through Constituent Relationship Management system in a timely manner and maintain current and accurate files on donors.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned or requested by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
• Participate in professional development organizations including serving on committees, boards and meetings.

 

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree

 

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 4 years of proven experience in major/gift fundraising, donor relations, sales or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, businesses, staff and faculty.
• Proven ability to solicit and close gifts or sales.
• General understanding of planned giving vehicles or ability to learn them.
• Organizational skills; prompt and accurate reporting abilities and an understanding of the confidential nature of developmental work.
• High level of comfort in talking with individuals about financial matters.
• Outstanding listening, oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-starter, high energy and goal oriented.
• Ability to handle all aspects of scheduling and follow up.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed including weekends and nights for special events
• Must have a valid driver’s license

 

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous campaign experience

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Required to travel to geographical locations of donors/prospects

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

This position requires extensive, independent travel by car and air. Intermittent sitting, standing, stooping, crouching, walking and occasional lifting of light objects. Most of the work is performed in an office.

 

University Standard Service and Excellence Expectations

 

Coker's standards of service and excellence to the campus and community is an institutional priority for the university. We pride ourselves in our customer service, communication, and availability to our stakeholders and employees through efficient response times, detailed information, and professionalism.

 

Coker University readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Located in Hartsville, SC, Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

 

Coker University, in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, veterans or military status, or against individuals with disabilities, or other legally protected classifications in the areas of employment, admission, financial aid or access to educational or extracurricular programs, activities or facilities.