The Major Gift Officer develops charitable support for the College of Arts and Sciences through the USM Foundation. This position identifies prospects and cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of college objectives, while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals. This position works closely with the Chief Development Officer of the USM Foundation, the Dean, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals and also works autonomously towards goals set in consultation with supervisors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Engages Dean, College faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
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Cultivates and solicits donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and solicitation in tandem with volunteers, Dean/Associate Deans, and other staff. Develops detailed cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for alumni, friends, and organizations for gifts to the USM Foundation in support of the College of Arts and Sciences. Provides assistance to the Dean, school directors, faculty and other University personnel with specific stewardship, cultivation and solicitation needs as required.
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Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
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Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
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Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
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Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
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Advises the Dean on fundraising initiatives, arranges meetings between potential donors and the Dean, and coordinates events related to College fundraising.
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Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of the USM Foundation or the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least three years of development or similar experience at a university or other comparable organization, or equivalent professional experience in communications, strategy, relationship building, project management and/or outside sales. A valid MS driver’s license is required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
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Reliable and punctual
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Honest and cooperative
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Professional and respectful
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Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time
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Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
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Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
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Good attention to detail
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people
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Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, and garner the confidence of stakeholders
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Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
- Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
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Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
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Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
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Seeks opportunities for professional development
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Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
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Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
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Proficient in securing major gift donations and meeting individual metrics
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Possesses general knowledge of planned giving
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Proven ability to train and develop others
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
