Major Gifts Officer (MGO)

Major Gifts Officer (MGO)

University Advancement (UA) is the friend-raising and fundraising arm of Gardner Webb University. The office’s activities are designed to generate support, both financial and otherwise. The University seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual for the position of Major Gifts Officer (MGO) within University Advancement. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, this person is responsible for helping to develop a philanthropic culture through portfolio management and by implementing industry best practices.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As part of a goal oriented and highly motivated team, the MGO will be responsible for managing a portfolio of alumni and university friends with major gift capacity.  An existing percentage of qualified individuals will be in the assigned portfolio and the MGO will conduct significant discovery work to build, over a multi-year period, a qualified 150+ household major gift portfolio.
• Expected to collaborate with colleagues within UA and across campus to ensure that fundraising strategies align with university priorities.
• Responsible for developing a strategy for effectively moving assigned individuals through the donor cycle, while effectively engaging the prospect at every stage.
• Meet agreed upon fundraising metrics as defined by supervisor, on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Follow best practices and department policies specifically related to database and prospect management
• Represent Gardner-Webb University in a competent and professional manner
• Be conversant in the university’s fundraising priorities
• Significant travel including overnight travel is required monthly
• Evening and weekend event attendance is expected
• Other tasks and special projects as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3 years of full-time professional experience working in Advancement or a similar profession
• Experience working in a metrics-driven environment and meeting quantitative goals

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• An understanding of the culture, nature, and purpose of advancement activities. Preference for familiarity of advancement in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated behavioral and linguistic flexibility
• The ability to recognize, distill, and communicate relevant information and data
• Demonstrate an appetite and enthusiasm for high-volume discovery work
• Exemplary oral and written communications skills
• The ability to coordinate and balance multiple tasks and priorities
• Goal oriented
• Strong organizational skills with a focus for detail
• Punctuality and timeliness
• A self-starter with a high level of maturity and confidence.

ABOUT GARDNER-WEBB:

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.  GWU Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Big South Conference (with select sports in the Southern Conference and the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association).

APPLICATION:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application using the link below and include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references with their application submission.