The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) to join a progressive team within PAE supporting the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business & College of Business Administration. The position is expected to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from current or potential donors as well as build a diverse and sustainable portfolio within their assigned region(s.)
This position is expected to fundraise from prospective donors evaluated with the capacity to donate $100,000 or more as well as build a diverse and sustainable portfolio. In order to effectively manage critical relationships with current and prospective donors to meet both short and long-term fundraising objectives for the University, the MGO will consistently initiate contacts with potential major donors, develop and execute strategies to cultivate and maintain relationships, and solicit and close major gifts. Must be willing to travel a minimum of 30% of the time and be available for occasional evening and weekend work.
The MGO must possess and demonstrate initiative and leadership; superior oral and written skills with an ability to build a strong case for support and persuade; strong organizational skills; and an exceptional ability to communicate and collaborate with a variety of university alumni, donors, faculty, staff, senior leadership, and friends. Knowledge of and experience with the mission of higher education and the ability to translate that mission into ways that engage and inspire donors and alumni is strongly preferred.
The job duties outlined in this job description include common job responsibilities for this title and level of jobs and are not intended to cover every duty. The University reserves the right to assign other duties to employees that are not listed in this job description.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement (PAE) cultivates relationships with contributors, alumni, and other constituents on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, generating support for teaching, research, and care. See PAE's site for more details: pae.pitt.edu.
Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement fosters an intentionally inclusive workforce through a diversity framework that commits to collaborating and expanding the culture, identify, and wholeness of every staff member in measurable and deliberate ways.
Key responsibilities
• Plans, implements, and manages fundraising programs for assigned area of responsibility.
• Develops proposals and coordinates fundraising efforts within the department. Coordinates with other fundraisers to assess, create, and advance joint solicitation strategies with donors who have multiple philanthropic interests as needed.
• Identifies, cultivates, stewards, and solicits current and potential donors. Establishes lists of prospects and develops cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Partners with the Deans, department chairs, faculty, and/or unit leadership on strategic advancement initiatives and the management of campaign committees.
• Writes materials for newsletters, websites, and other media to recognize major donors.
• Recruits and oversees volunteer solicitors.
Why Join Us?
Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in supporting the University's mission.
Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive, innovative, and dynamic team.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about PAE and apply today.
Join us in shaping the future of education, research, and healthcare at the University of Pittsburgh!
Plans, implements, and manages fundraising programs for assigned area of responsibility; develops proposals and coordinates fundraising efforts within the department; and identifies, cultivates, stewards, and solicits current and potential donors. Collaborates with executive leadership, leadership, and faculty on strategic initiatives and campaign management. Crafts major donor recognition collateral and recruits and leads volunteer solicitors.
- Ability to work and travel independently with an expectation of at least 12 trips per year to meet with University alumni and friends face-to-face per calendar year. Ability to attend events both on and off campus; occasional evening and weekend work required
- Exceptional communicator and relationship-builder with outstanding organizational and analytical skills. Demonstrated success cultivating trust-based relationships with high-net-worth individuals and key stakeholders, navigating complex environments, and confidently soliciting, closing, and stewarding significant philanthropic investments.
- Articulate; presents him/herself professionally; strategic; innovative; organized and able to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously; consistently meet deadlines; ability to build trust among constituents (internal & external).
- Strong computer skills a must, including ability to conduct and initiate virtual meetings with various platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.). Strong Microsoft Office, including Excel and Affinaquest or other development database important; experience working with various marketing/communication, intranet platforms, etc. a bonus.
Moderate - Moderate physical effort required to stand/move for several hours at a time. may be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.