Major Gifts Officer

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Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. We strive for a climate of respect and inclusiveness that welcomes and supports members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, is committed unreservedly to open and free inquiry and deliberately seeks out multiple perspectives.

Xavier University is seeking applications for the position of Major Gifts Officer. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Relations, this candidate will be a member of the University Relations division and will be part of the Major and Planned Giving team. The ideal candidate will advance relationships with prospective donors. This candidate will need to secure leadership annual gifts ($1,000 or greater), and major and planned gifts of $50,000 or more to Xavier University.

Under the leadership of Dr. Colleen Hanycz, Xavier University’s 35th President, we have embarked on an exciting path as we implement our University Strategic Plan. Our next capital campaign will help fund some key initiatives for this plan and we are looking for an innovative, data-driven, positive candidate to join our team!

Job Responsibilities
Portfolio Management

• Develop an annual plan to identify, qualify and cultivate prospects; solicit and close leadership annual, major and planned gifts. The portfolio will consist of some local, regional and national prospects. Travel will be required
• Work closely with our Internal Operations team on the moves management process in an effort to develop strategies for donors and prospects
• Collaborate with University Relations colleagues to support other University-wide fundraising goals

Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborate with the Annual Fund, Major and Planned Giving Officers
• Work closely with various stakeholders around campus to identify annual, major and planned giving prospects for funding opportunities
• Work with Internal Operations team to utilize data analytics and customer/donor journeys to identify and move prospects through the moves management pipeline

Reporting and Data Management

• Complete and file timely call reports of donors and prospects within our CRM (Salesforce-Ascend)
• Have a working knowledge of Tableau Reporting Services
• Develop and prepare comprehensive solicitation proposals to support key funding initiatives

Qualifications include

• Bachelor’s degree is required, and a minimum three to five years’ experience with a development, sales or marketing background
• A positive attitude that excels at being measured to achieve fundraising goals
• Demonstrated ability to solicit and close major and planned ($50,000+) gifts
• Knowledge of administrative planning including goal setting, prospect management, and strategic engagement principles
• Managing an operational budget is required
• Proficiency in various office applications (Salesforce/Ascend, Tableau Reporting Services, Microsoft Office, etc.)
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write and edit clear and compelling funding proposals
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a fast paced environment
• Need to work independently, collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities
• Other duties could be assigned by the Associate Vice President for University Relations
• Some travel and work during the evenings and weekends will be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of a Jesuit, Catholic education
• Knowledge of Higher Education and or business familiarity with the characteristics of a comprehensive university

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references on Xavier University's website by February 28, 2025. 

Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. 

Benefits:

• Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.