Gift Officer in Fairfield, Iowa at Maharishi International University
Job Description
Position Summary:
Reporting to the CEO, the Gift Officer supports the fundraising goals and plans of MIU's Institutional Development Office by building and stewarding relationships with donors and prospective contributors. The position helps implement annual, major gift, planned-giving, endowment, and capital campaigns. It also researches and qualifies prospects and manages donor portfolios and related fundraising activities.
Working with the University President, Development Office leadership, and colleagues across the university, the Gift Officer helps connect donor interests with MIU's priorities and opportunities. The role also supports fundraising events, prepares donor communications and materials, and maintains accurate records to support a strong and sustained culture of philanthropy.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Communications, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
- Three to five years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with donors and prospective contributors.
- Ability to manage multiple donor relationships, projects, and deadlines effectively.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to prepare clear reports.
- Experience using donor-management software or another CRM system.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in fundraising or donor relations within higher education or the nonprofit sector.
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts or managing a donor portfolio.
- Familiarity with fundraising CRMs, such as Bloomerang or similar platforms.
- Fundraising or nonprofit-management training or certification, such as CFRE.
- Familiarity with MIU's culture, Consciousness Based Education concepts, strategy, programs, and funding opportunities.
- Graduate-level business education, preferably an MBA.
Job Responsibilities:
CAMPAIGNS AND FUNDRAISING STRATEGY
- Support the planning and implementation of annual, major-gift, planned-giving, endowment, and capital campaigns in coordination with the University President, CEO, and Development Office leadership.
- Help carry out fundraising strategies aligned with annual goals and Institutional Development Office plans.
- Work with Development Office colleagues, as well as colleagues from other departments, to develop compelling cases for support that connect donor interests with MIU's mission, programs, and priorities.
DONOR RELATIONSHIPS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
- Identify, research, and qualify prospective donors, including individuals, public and private foundations, and other potential contributors.
- Build and maintain relationships with donors and prospects through personalized outreach, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Manage a portfolio of qualified prospects and donors, track activity through the gift cycle, and maintain accurate engagement records in the fundraising database.
- Prepare proposals, reports, acknowledgments, and other donor communications that support giving and stewardship.
- Conduct regular prospect research in coordination with the President and CEO.
EVENTS AND INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION
- Help organize and support donor events, webinars, campaigns, and other outreach activities.
- Support Development Office events and activities by tracking plans, following up on assigned tasks, and helping address implementation needs.
- Serve as a liaison with relevant stakeholders and collaborate with colleagues, including Marketing and Alumni Relations, to align fundraising outreach with MIU's priorities and messaging.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare reports and maintain accurate fundraising records and documentation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Skills:
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and donor-engagement skills.
- Ability to research prospects, identify giving interests, and manage a donor portfolio.
- Effective organization, prioritization, and follow-through across multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency with donor-management software, CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and report preparation.]
- Ability to develop clear proposals, donor communications, and cases for support.
Collaborative approach to working with Development Office colleagues and University stakeholders.
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