Major Gifts Officer - Roanoke College

This position meets with and builds relationships with donors and prospects with significant giving capacity to accomplish their philanthropic objectives in the form of annual giving, major giving, and planned giving.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify major gift prospects. Analyze and predict and donor’s propensity, capacity and enthusiasm to give. Gather pertinent data alongside the prospect researcher to determine the best candidates for the major gifts program.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 125 qualified relationships, and apply a moves management approach to the portfolio with a custom cultivation strategy for each donor. Cultivate and solicit major gift prospects, build relationships designed to understand the donor/prospect goals with the expressed purpose of alignment with College mission and objectives.
• Stewardship of major gift donors. Develop stewardship strategies that continue the major gift relationship for future gifts and planned giving opportunities.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to donors.
• Execute and report on quarterly/annual fundraising plans, donor solicitations identification, cultivation, campaigns (capital and annual) and stewardship efforts, driving towards annual fundraising goals and operating campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with other divisions and development officers. Be a resource for development staff, from identifying potential volunteer connections to sharing knowledge about regions and alumni chapters.
• Track prospects and donor contacts in portfolio using organization tools and tracking methods via CRM Advance. Ensure that all donor information entry and special requests are recorded and accomplished.
• Works collaboratively with other staff to compose letters, compile appropriate invitation lists, secure sponsors, participate in events and engage featured program participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master's degree and/or Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) desired.
• Demonstrated history of securing major gifts over three or more years while working a growing organization preferred.
• The ability to lead, work in a team setting, and work independently
• Detailed and in-depth knowledge of fundraising, it’s impact and tax-laws associated
• Comfort in researching and analyzing large groups of data to uncover prospects
• Excellent verbal and written communication aptitude
• Requires proficient computer, database, technology and social media skills
• Must travel and work nights and weekends as needed, with priority given to direct contact with donors

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.