Job Description

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) plays a critical role in advancing the college’s mission by securing philanthropic support from alumni, parents, governors, and friends. The MGO will cultivate deep relationships that align donor passions with the college’s creative and academic priorities, including scholarships, academic programs, capital projects, and initiatives. The MGO will lead fundraising efforts for student scholarships and student-supporting initiatives, supporting need- and merit-based aid, and telling the stories of scholarship impact. This role will develop and implement strategies to secure financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects identified with the capacity and inclination to make major gifts to Otis College. This position reports to the VP, Institutional Advancement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a front-line fundraiser responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of 100–125 major gift prospects.
• Manage fundraising activities of assigned prospects, creating, implementing, and developing written cultivation strategies to advance gift conversations for the successful solicitation and closing of major gifts, taking into account the unique needs and interests of each donor.
• Grow the Board of Governors in partnership with the VPIA and the President to increase the number of individuals supporting and advocating for Otis College.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts for scholarships.
• Create compelling cases for support that highlight student needs, talent, and transformational outcomes.
• Prepare proposals, donor impact reports, and event briefings.
• Create tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that reflect donors' interests and college priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty across all majors, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Affairs
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Must be responsive to work-related phone calls and emails during non-business hours on occasion.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 7–10 years of experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in securing major gifts.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal/storytelling, written, and relationship building)
• Practical knowledge of fundraising best practices.
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio and steward donors through a donor lifecycle.
• Interest in and dedication to promoting Otis College’s priorities through developing

PREFFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with or in higher education or the arts.

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