About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is focused on fundraising for Washington and Lee University, specifically targeting major gifts from a defined group of high-capacity donors. You'll manage a portfolio of 150-200 prospects, develop solicitation strategies, and travel to meet with donors to secure significant contributions.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have at least two years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. A high-energy, organized individual who thrives in collaborative environments will do well here.

Worth noting

The position requires extensive travel and a proven track record of closing large donations, which may not suit everyone. The emphasis on a welcoming campus community suggests a strong cultural fit is important.

Job Description:

Major Gifts Officers (MGO) report to the Director of Leadership Giving and are responsible for being knowledgeable of all donors, alumni, parents, and friends in a defined geographic region, making sure a defined broad-based group of prospects based on giving or capability are personally covered by the University or its representatives. The Major Gifts Officer will design, develop, and manage a comprehensive program of focused solicitation strategies to persuasively present the priorities and case for university support and successfully close major gifts of five to seven figures.

To achieve our mission as a liberal arts college, we continually strive to foster a welcoming campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons. University Advancement is committed to contributing to an educational environment that is rich with a wide range of intellectual perspectives and backgrounds.

Learn more about what makes Washington and Lee University a great place to work and live at jobs.wlu.edu.

Essential Functions:

Develops and manages a portfolio of 150-200 potential donors capable of gifts of at least $100,000.
Travels extensively to visit with donors and highly rated prospects with defined moves management plans for each prospect after an initial visit.
Participates in donor prospect strategy sessions.
Successfully solicits and closes five to seven figure gifts.
Persuasively presents the University's mission and goals.
Works collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and senior administration.
Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree is required.
Consistently demonstrates strong character and leadership abilities and excellent human relations skills to represent the University effectively with its alumni, parents and other external constituents.
Must be a passionate, high-energy individual with outstanding skills in management, communication, and team building with a history of success in previous work experience and a desire to work in higher education.
Two or more years of successful fundraising and/or development experience preferably in a higher education setting. A record of achieving ambitious targets and goals is expected.
Sophisticated interpersonal skills, the ability to listen effectively, and outstanding written and oral communication skills. Candidates should be organized, able to work collaboratively and strategically, and be a talented motivator of volunteers.

Candidates with the below preferred qualifications may be considered for a Senior Major Gifts Officer title with the corresponding compensation range.

Five or more years of fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to close six-figure gifts.
Experience in higher education
Knowledge of Moves Management principles and donor database systems is a plus.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin on May 11 and continue until the positions are filled. Required materials include:

Cover letter
Resume
Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities/jobs-at-w-l.

Position Type:

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Minimum Pay:

$96,398.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Aplyr's read

Washington and Lee University is a prestigious liberal arts institution that values honor and integrity, attracting dedicated professionals committed to educational excellence.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong focus on undergraduate education fosters a vibrant academic environment.
•Commitment to honor and integrity creates a unique campus culture.
•Diverse range of roles offers varied career opportunities for job seekers.

What to watch

•Located in a small town, which may limit off-campus opportunities.
•High emphasis on tradition might not suit those seeking a dynamic change.
•Limited public information about career progression and internal mobility.

Why Washington and Lee University

•Honor system deeply ingrained in university culture, influencing all aspects of campus life.
•Offers a personalized educational experience with a low student-to-faculty ratio.
•Historic campus provides a distinctive and picturesque work environment.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

wlu.edu

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Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts university located in Lexington, Virginia, known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a commitment to the values of honor and integrity.