Title of Position: Major Gift Officer
Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Development
FLSA: Exempt
Holy Cross College’s Mission: The Mission of Holy Cross College is to educate and form global citizens with the competence to see and the courage to act. Holy Cross is a Catholic college that advances the apostolic mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross. Our practical, experiential, liberal arts curriculum applies timeless truths to contemporary life and leads people to wholeness in the image of Christ.
Our hiring practices reflect this missional commitment to being a Christ-centered institution.
Typical Schedule: Full time. Minimum 40 hours per week. Must be willing to travel, work nights and weekends when necessary. Initial travel will be regional only including, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio.
Purpose: The Major Gift Officer facilitates strong relationships between prospective donors and the college for securing major gift commitments ($25,000 or more). The gift officer will establish and implement an annual activity plan to foster a robust major gift portfolio.
Essential Job Duties: All administrators, faculty and staff are called to assist students in their formation to be Christ-like students and thus must embrace and advance the Holy Cross mission of the College in all professional activities.
Articulate the vision, mission, goals and core values of the college to its constituents.
Participate in a comprehensive major gift program for the college by facilitating active relationships for assigned prospects with college partners while endeavoring to match college-funding needs with prospects' interests. Involve college leadership, faculty and staff in strategy development and prospect activities to foster multiple points of contact for each prospect.
Build a portfolio of 100 qualified prospects (at least 75% at the major-gift level and 25% at the leadership-gift level) through the development cycle, from cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
Design general strategies for each assigned prospect based on research data and information gathered through the qualification visits. Assess and document each prospect's major gift (current) rating and future ultimate gift rating.
Plan and document detailed activities (in-progress tasks) including personal visits, phone calls, and written communications that deepens the relationship of a prospect with the college and moves them, in a timely manner, from one stage in the development cycle to the next, maximizes giving potential and provides consistent contact with all assigned prospects. Each prospect should have a minimum number of documented in-progress tasks.
Facilitate a minimum of 90-100 in-person visits per year (average 9/month). Document completed activities (completed tasks) in a timely manner.
Communicate and teach donors the various ways to give (including current, deferred, endowed, and inkind gifts). Document commitments according to established policies and procedures.
Follows budget guidelines regarding expenditures incurred in major gift fundraising for effective and efficient use of college resources.
Review status of individual prospect plans and productivity reports with supervisor each month.
Other duties assigned to assist the development goals of the College.
Minimum Education, Skills, and Ability: The successful candidate will have proven major gift experience who believes in the Catholic higher education mission of Holy Cross College, is results and people-oriented, and possesses a strong work ethic and superb attention to detail. The candidate will also have proven communication skills with an ability to write and speak persuasively about the role of educational philanthropy
Required: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in major gift solicitation, or an equivalent combination of related experience
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
Demonstrated experience in a position that required leadership skills
Demonstrated experience in a position that required exceptional written, speaking and listening skills
Demonstrated attention to detail
Preferred: Experience in a higher education environment
Proven and demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts of $50,000 and above
Experience with fundraising software
Knowledge of planned giving techniques and vehicles
Additional Attributes: Discretion with confidential information
Team player with strong dedication to the purpose and mission of the college.
Personal value system that encompasses a solid work ethic, conscientiousness and ability to forge productive relationships
Quick-learner, self-starter, and self-motivated
Astuteness and ability to make adjustments to and work within changing environments
Positive, enthusiastic, professional image in representing Holy Cross College, both internally and externally
NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and physical demands required of personnel so classified. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment at Holy Cross College is ‘at will’ meaning that either the College or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Holy Cross College is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status. Interested candidates should submit resume, cover letter and three references (names and contact information) via email to Human Resources
hr@hcc-nd.edu. Position open until filled.