Major Gift Officer in Fairfield, Iowa at Maharishi International University

Position Summary:

Reporting to the CEO, the Major Gift Officer leads MIU's major-gift fundraising by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding the donors capable of making the university's most significant gifts, including individuals and public and private foundations. The position manages a focused portfolio of major-gift prospects and donors, and leads planned-giving, endowment, and capital-campaign solicitations in partnership with the University President and CEO.

Working closely with the University President, Development Office leadership, and the Minor Gifts Officer, who refers donors ready for a major-gift conversation, the Major Gift Officer develops tailored cases for support and gift proposals that match donor interests to MIU's priorities. The role builds long-term relationships with leading supporters and maintains accurate records that sustain a culture of philanthropy.

Minimum Qualifications:

■ Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

■ Five or more years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field, including direct experience soliciting major gifts.

■ Demonstrated success securing major gifts and managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects through long solicitation cycles.

■ Experience planning and leading in-person solicitations and preparing gift proposals.

■ Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trusted relationships with senior donors and foundation leaders.

■ Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to prepare clear proposals and reports.

■ Experience using donor-management software or another CRM system.

Prefered Qualifications:

■ Experience in major-gift fundraising within higher education or the nonprofit sector.

■ Experience with planned-giving, endowment, or capital-campaign fundraising.

■ 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.

Responsibilities:

MAJOR GIFT STRATEGY AND CAMPAIGNS

■ Lead the planning and execution of major-gift strategy, and lead solicitations for planned-giving, endowment, and capital campaigns, in coordination with the University President, CEO, and Development Office leadership.

■ Meet agreed goals for major-gift revenue, qualified visits, and solicitations.

■ Partner with the President and colleagues in other departments to shape cases for support and funding opportunities that connect a donor's philanthropic vision to MIU's mission and priorities.

DONOR RELATIONSHIPS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

■ Identify, research, and qualify prospective major donors, including individuals and public and private foundations, assessing capacity, interests, and readiness to give.

■ Manage a focused portfolio of major-gift prospects and donors, with an individual strategy and next steps for each, and maintain accurate records in the fundraising database.

■ Plan and lead in-person and virtual visits, cultivation, and solicitation, often alongside the President or CEO.

■ Prepare and present gift proposals and agreements, and provide tailored stewardship reports and recognition for major donors.

■ Follow up on referrals from the Minor Gifts Officer, and conduct regular prospect research and portfolio reviews with the President and CEO.

EVENTS AND INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION

■ Engage major donors and prospects in leadership events, briefings, and campus and virtual visits, working with Development Office colleagues on planning.

■ Serve as a liaison with university leaders, faculty, and colleagues in Marketing and Alumni Relations to align major-gift outreach with MIU's priorities and messaging.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

■ Prepare pipeline and forecast reports and maintain accurate fundraising records and documentation.

■ Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills:

■ Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to ask for and close significant gifts.

■ Ability to research prospects, assess giving capacity and interests, and manage a focused major-gift portfolio.

■ Executive presence and discretion in working with senior donors, foundation leaders, and university leadership.

■ Proficiency with donor-management software, CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and report preparation.

■ Ability to develop clear gift proposals and cases for support.

■ Collaborative approach to working with Development Office colleagues and University stakeholders.