At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared values. We champion intellectual discovery and excellence, uphold gender equality as foundational to progress, affirm diversity as crucial to educational excellence, value connection and community, empower individuals for social change, and commit to integrity and academic freedom in our pursuit of knowledge. Join us in this transformative journey!
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Job Posting Title
Major Gift Officer
Job Description Summary
Admin Exempt
Job Description
The Major Gift Officer manages a portfolio of 250 high-capacity prospects rated $250,000-$1,000,000 or more, including alumnae, parents, and friends of the College. S/he is responsible for developing personalized strategies for engagement and solicitation that maximize each individual's philanthropic capacity and support for the College's funding priorities, as well as broad-based engagement, qualification, and cultivation strategies for pool segments as a whole. S/he collaborates across the Department to move prospects and donors through the pipeline and to solicit gifts, working closely with frontline colleagues in The Wellesley Fund and Gift Planning. In addition to managing her assigned prospects, each Major Gift Officer will be responsible for a "special assignment" to a particular Friends/affinity group, or priority area, and will be the "captain" for that, both building support for and serving as liaison with campus partners and bringing back to the Department information and updates. The MGO will work with Communications and Marketing to identify and create cultivation and stewardship collateral as needed.
Position Responsibility:
Cultivates, and solicits Wellesley alumnae, parents, and friends with the capacity to make gifts of $250,000 or more to support the College priorities, employing appropriate strategies and tactics in prospect and portfolio management to meet donor interaction and dollar goals. This includes travel to meet with prospects and donors.
Collaborates with other frontline colleagues in the Department to identify prospects for The Wellesley Fund and Gift Planning, and who might be principal gift prospects.
Creates and executes strategies and plans for the MGO's assigned focus area, such as Friends, parents, or a particular priority.
Participates in events at which alumnae, parents, and friends are present, such as Family & Friends Weekend, Commencement, and Reunion. Carries out other projects and duties as required.
Basic Qualifications:
5-7 years of front-line fundraising or comparable experience, including conducting solicitations and closing gifts, as well as having familiarity with reunion giving and/or alumni/ae development experience, preferably in an academic setting
Experience developing, closing, and stewarding prospects rated $250,000 or more and donors making gifts of 6 figures or more
Experience working with a wide-spectrum of volunteers and donors in an outward facing capacity
Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated thoughtful and collaborative project management skills
Highly organized and needing minimal direction to complete complex tasks and multiple projects simultaneously, working both independently and as a member of a team
Superior written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills, appropriate for engaging prospects and members of the campus community
Strategic thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to draw informed conclusions from data
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Comfort with ambiguity and ability to pivot
Excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to work collaboratively, and an orientation toward customer service
Familiarity with and/or interest in learning about planned giving and events
Ability and desire to travel an average of 5-10 days per month to meet with prospects
Absolute confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion required
Commitment to the mission and goals of Wellesley College
High comfort level using technology to communicate and share information, as well as experience with a prospect database
Ability to be innovative and creative
Sense of humor
Evening and some weekend work is required, as is regular travel outside Massachusetts.
Company Description:
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae. Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.
Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.
Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!
Worker Sub-Type
Administrative
Time Type
Full time
EEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.
Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum . Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.
