The Major Gifts Officer is a newly created position at Lee University primarily responsible for fundraising for university priorities from current and prospective major gift donors. The Major Gifts Officer will actively manage a portfolio of major donor prospects using a discovery, cultivation, invitation, and stewardship model. The Major Gifts Officer will be expected to focus on in-person interactions, involving the clear articulation of Lee University’s mission, vision, and funding priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Building Relationships and Strategic Fundraising

• Engage an assigned portfolio of 100-125 current and prospective major donors for the purpose of inviting and securing major gifts.
• Build meaningful relationships with assigned prospects and donors in the portfolio, conducting face-to-face donor visits. It is expected that 75% of work time should be spent preparing, communicating, traveling, meeting with donors/prospects, and related follow up work.
• Personally present written proposals for major gifts.
• Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for donors.
• Develop and incorporate estate planning resources to assist in identifying and garnering planned gift commitments.
• Assist in the prospect research data collection and engagement process as part of the major donor solicitation strategy.
• Provide accurate information on all prospects and donor activity in CRM Advance including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation.
• Orchestrate the meaningful connection of prospects and donors with the Lee University President, administrators, faculty, coaches, staff, and students.

Collaboration and Character

• Regularly meet with leadership and University Relations team members to collaborate and strategize.
• Routinely meet with key Lee University administrators, faculty, coaches and staff to build relationships, gain insights, and establish partnerships that help advance Lee University’s strategies.
• Participate regularly and broadly in University Relations and university events.
• Serve as a Lee University ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality.
• Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the University community, demonstrating a lifestyle consistent with the Christ-centered values of Lee University.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong self-starter with a positive attitude and intrinsically motivated.
• Demonstrate competence and productivity in developing relationships that yield major gifts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and engaging interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of professionals in a metric and goal-driven environment.
• Exhibit a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; demonstrate the ability to understand, embrace, and communicate Lee University’s unique mission and culture.
• Other necessary characteristics: honesty, responsiveness, follow-through, sound judgment, confidentiality, initiative, drive, and adaptability.

EDUCATION and/or WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in fundraising or sales required
• Three years of fundraising experience in developing and securing five figures and above preferred
• Experience managing a donor portfolio preferred

POSITION CONDITIONS

• The Major Gifts Officer is a full-time administrative position reporting to the Vice President for University Relations.
• The position’s office is based at the Lee University campus in Cleveland, TN. The candidate must be capable of traveling up to 50% of time, with a flexible work schedule involving evening and weekend work as needed, to fulfill portfolio and management responsibilities and participate in major gift and university related events.

TO APPLY

Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed to Audra Iannarone, Coordinator of University Relations: [email protected]. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process.