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The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in increasing donor support for �鶹Լ�� University.  Responsibilities include maintaining a prospect pool for donor discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of existing donors to increase overall donor retention and giving levels. This position is responsible for raising major, annual, and deferred commitments in support of �鶹Լ��’s operational, endowment, and capital needs. 

In addition, this position is eligible for a flexible/remote work arrangement in which the employee may primarily work remotely.  While the ideal candidate will be located in an area densely populated with �鶹Լ�� Alumni, they will also have a requirement to periodically visit the campus as directed.   For this position, �鶹Լ�� University is searching for candidates who live in the Chicagoland area.   Additional information and expectations regarding this flexible/remote work arrangement will be provided by the candidate’s direct report.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Manage a portfolio of 75-90 donor prospects capable of making a commitment of $10,000 or more to �鶹Լ�� University: moving them from discovery/identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and follow-up to stewardship.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 30 donor prospects capable of making a commitment of $1,000 or more to �鶹Լ�� University, specifically to the Annual Fund: moving them from discovery/identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and follow-up to stewardship.
• Under direction of the Senior Director of Development, develop, prepare, implement, evaluate, and manage an effective system (development plan) with measurable goals supporting targeted initiatives that tracks and cultivates donors and prospects.
• Maintain accurate database information reflecting prospect interactions, strategies, contacts, and opportunities.  
• Travel a minimum of 36 days a year, regionally and nationally, to cultivate, solicit, steward, and engage donors and prospects.
• Move forward the mission and goals of the University and the Alumni & Development Department
• Contribute to department and University initiatives, meetings, team sessions, and committees as appropriate or assigned.
• Host and staff department and University events as required.       
• Represent the University to the central Illinois and higher education community in a professional manner.
• Maintain and exhibit loyalty to the University, the Alumni & Development Department, and the development profession.
• Other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws but may provide daily direction and assistance to student employees.    

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment. Customer, budget, quality and delivery conscious mindset. Ability to establish priorities, work independently with minimal supervision and facilitate teamwork. Highly organized, with the ability to plan, execute and multitask to meet deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail. 

 Minimum Education and/or Experience  

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Three + years of experience working in the development field, preferred.
• Knowledge of individual donor fund-raising, a working knowledge of estate planning, deferred gifts, and trust administration is preferred.
• Results-oriented with commitment to prospect/donor relationships.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills – be a “people” person – enjoy working and communicating with others.
• Exercise a high degree of independent initiative, confidentiality, judgement, communication, and problem solving.
• Evidence of personal initiative and follow through.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, evaluate, and improve initiatives to achieve desired results.
• Knowledge of higher education and/or �鶹Լ�� University preferred.
• Be a competent writer of business communications.
• Must have valid driver’s license.