Major Gifts Officer

TITLE: Major Gifts Officer

DEPARTMENT: University Advancement

REPORTS TO: Director of Major and Planned Gifts

POSITION SUMMARY

The Major Gifts Officer is a member of the University Advancement (UA) Team and reports directly to the Director of Major and Planned Gifts. The Major Gifts Officer will manage a major gift portfolio of a minimum of 60 individuals with the capacity and inclination to make gifts of $25,000 or more to support Dominican University's strategic plan and funding priorities and develop a pipeline of lead gifts ($10, Managing a portfolio of current and prospective donors, the officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic partnerships in support of student success, academic programs, and university priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute personalized strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts. This includes the creation of briefing materials, proposals, and customized engagement plans.

• Conduct regular, meaningful donor interactions through in-person visits, phone calls, and events that advance relationships and support fundraising goals.

• Work with UA colleagues, as well as with faculty and other campus partners, to align donor interest with university priorities.

• In collaboration with UA leadership, develop annual work plans and contribute to the overall fundraising strategy for the institution.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions, activities, and solicitations in the university's CRM system.

• Work with UA team to properly acknowledge and recognize donors to ensure their continued support and engagement through a robust stewardship plan.

• Represent the university at donor events and campus activities. Occasional evenings, weekend, and travel commitments are required.

• Perform other related tasks and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years related fundraising experience required, with a proven track record of closing high five and six figure gifts.
• The ability and comfort to interact effectively with high-net worth individuals and business leaders are essential.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills. Outstanding strategic thinking and analytical skills, interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and experience in handling highly confidential information.
• Strong initiative, creativity, organizational ability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze a problem and present a strategic solution.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and with senior leadership, serving as a bridge between donors and the organization while managing complex internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or other CRM preferred.

A background screening is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

SALARY AND FLSA STATUS:

• Salary: $ $73,000 – $83,000

• FLSA Status: Exempt– Full-time, 37.5 hours

BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents

ABOUT DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers Assistant, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families' level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.

Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and

all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT

Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.