JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title Major Gifts Officer

Department Office of University Relations

Appointed by Vice President for University Relations

Reports To Vice President for University Relations

Positions Supervised None

Employment Class Exempt, Benefits Eligible

EEO Class 1.0 Manager

Authorized Driver Yes

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible to secure funds for the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary by managing a group of assigned donors (caseload), assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement. Another significant part of this position will be in securing new major donors into the caseload.

Essential Job Functions & Performance Criteria

o Manage a portfolio of up to 150 individual Major Gift donors capable of making a gift of $25,000 or more, either outright or as a pledge to be paid over a period of up to five years. Through personal interactions, guide the process of identification, cultivation, solicitation, communication and stewardship of donors to meet fundraising goals. o Identify new donor prospects regionally through collaboration with the Director of Advancement Services and through personal research and networking to increase the donor portfolio. o Partner with the Vice President for University Relations in creating an individualized plan for his/her fundraising goals, including measurable targets and a timetable for achieving them. o Cultivate new, prospective donors and current donors through visits, phone calls, personalized mailings and stewardship, using a Moves Management system. o Solicit and secure gifts from new Major Gifts prospects and current major gift donors to meet annual goals. o Partner with Board of Advisors, Rector/President, Chief Operating Officer and senior management in the cultivation and solicitation of donors when needed. Participate in establishing and working with committees of the Board. o Work with the Vice President for University Relations and all other advancement staff to maintain the integrity of the donor database. o Input all donor portfolio activity and communications in the Raiser’s Edge database on a timely basis to ensure data is accurate and current. o Partner with the Sr. Director for University Events & Guest Services on coordinating donor cultivation events, which includes determining invitation list, mailing invites, pre-event briefing for staff and post-event follow up. o Partner with the Marketing & Communications team to prepare accurate proposals, communications and stewardship reports within established guidelines. o Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the University’s program initiatives and capital priorities to articulate to donors the organization’s mission and priority programmatic objectives. o Be a role model for integrity, fiscal responsibility, ethical behavior and managerial excellence that supports the mission of the University. o Support the mission and values of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary and embrace the philosophies and teachings of the Catholic Church. o Perform other duties as assigned.

Ancillary Job Functions

o Treats others with dignity, respect and courtesy. o Regularly recognizes others for jobs and work done well. o Consistently tries to do his/her best in all personal and professional behaviors, acting uprightly and responsibly. o Assumes accountability for work performed, collaborating in success and accepting of responsibility when results are less than optimal. o Continuously attempts to grow and improve in personal qualities and professional performance. o Listens attentively and patiently to what others have to say. o Remains dedicated to the University’s mutual agreement to work together, faithful to our unique mission in all he/she does. o Effectively champions the University’s commitment to teamwork among co-workers, supporters, grantees, suppliers and all other constituents with whom he/she becomes engaged. o Takes initiative to improve both processes and outcomes, incorporating best practices, and innovations in this professional field. o Ensures compliance with all university policies and standards. o Models our values of service, innovation, and teamwork. Holds others accountable for living these values. o Fosters a challenging and compassionate work environment, recognizing strong performance, and listening and acting on feedback

Education and Experience – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

o Bachelor’s degree required; o Ability to close major gift solicitations; o A minimum of three (3) years of proven Major Gift-level fundraising experience; o Pays close attention to details; o Excellent listening skills; o Strong communication skills including written, verbal and e-communications; o Excellent organizational and planning skills; o Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); o Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge a plus; o Customer service oriented with exceptional follow-through ability; o Process and results oriented; o Driven, yet flexible; o Possess business acumen, including ability to follow a plan and manage a budget; o Passion for the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary mission. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.

o Candor: Possesses the ability to be transparent and honest with team members; listens to what others have to say while making them feel safe in honestly expressing themselves. o Communication: Demonstrates excellent use of the English language (grammar, syntax, vocabulary); possesses the ability to communicate effectively and continuously with internal as well as external customers; composes clear/complete emails. o Computer Proficiency: Strong computer skills including all Microsoft products (Outlook; Excel; Word, PowerPoint), KX Systems, Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge, Basecamp, and any software programs needed for efficient work. o Congeniality: Has a positive attitude, not easily discouraged, open to alternative views, accepting of coaching/peer input, and copes well even under pressure. o Customer Service: Is skilled in the art of anticipating the needs of others as well as constituents, acts upon those needs appropriately, and helps remove barriers to excellent customer service. o Innovation: Actively pursues better ways of getting things done, models breakthrough thinking, acts as a change agent, and helps others manage through change. o Inspires a Shared Vision: Translates the department vision into actionable plans and creates enthusiasm about the future of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. o Modeling: Consistently acts as a role model for others and actively participates in the development and mentorship of teammates/direct reports; positively influences others while providing motivational support and direction where needed. o Personal Development: Demonstrates personal growth and learning; possesses the ability to acknowledge mistakes & learns from them. o Presentation Skills: Creates clear, concise, compelling and professional written and oral presentations, regardless of the topic or means of delivery, for use in a variety of settings and to a variety of audiences. o Prioritization: Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines; works quickly without sacrificing quality. o Problem Solving: Digs in to problems, investigates all aspects, gathers facts, and recommends solutions. o Professionalism: Is visible with a positive presence, ethical, and highly professional. o Project management: Has the ability to troubleshoot all job processes, manage timelines and inventory needs, anticipate issues, and effectively multitask. o Reliability: Can be trusted to meet deadlines, produce accurate work consistently, and follow through all tasks to completion. o Resource Management: Uses all available resources in order to effectively work through complicated issues as independently as possible. o Team Mentality: Has the ability to work in a coordinated effort with other members of the team in order to achieve overreaching goals. o Values People: Is skilled in considering the needs of others when making decisions, allowing for flexibility in how work is accomplished, and has an appreciation for differences between people in thought and style.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

o General office conditions, university conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels.

Physical Abilities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

o Physical requirements include ability to move around the the administration building (located on 2nd floor), kneel, carry and stoop, lift up to 25#, or greater with assistance. o Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. o Ability to communicate with constituents effectively, on the phone, email or in person. o Provides a welcoming and safe atmosphere. o Interacts with patrons and staff in a courteous and professional manner. o Availability to work occasional nights and weekends for special events. Approved: ______Date Created/Reviewed: ______

Employee Acknowledgement I understand that: o This job description provides a general summary of the position in which I am employed. The contents of this job description are job requirements and, at this time, I know of no limitations which would prevent me from performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. I further understand that it is my responsibility to inform my supervisor at any time that I am unable to perform these functions. o Receipt of the job description does not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind, and that my employment is at-will. o I have read and understand this job description.

Employee: ______Date: ______