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Notice Date
July 16, 2008
Closing Date
Open until filled. Review of applications will begin August 1, 2008.
Salary
Exempt; Salary, DOE + excellent benefits package
Work Schedule
FT; M–F, 8–5; some evening/weekend work and travel required
General Description
The major gifts officer will raise funds through the identification,
cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of existing as well as
prospective individual major donors. Reports to the Associate VP for
Development.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of 150 individual major gift prospects, including alumni and friends of the University and participate personally in soliciting support in the form of outright as well as deferred gifts.
- Build the pool of potential major gift donors. Develop, maintain and mature an active list of major giving prospective donors.
- Develop relationships necessary to provide effective stewardship and ongoing communications to major gift donors and prospects.
- Work closely with the Development officers, directors, team members and other major gifts officers to formulate and direct strategies for prospect identification, evaluation, cultivation and solicitation.
- Develop an understanding of PLU and its priorities, emphasizing the need for - and building the case in support of - major gifts; develop strategies and programs by communicating the urgency to raise current use gifts, planned gifts, and endowment support.
- Represent PLU at special functions and other events, as appropriate.
- Execute other projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, with individuals and groups of varying size.
- Ability to earn the confidence of internal and external constituents.
- Strong communication and presentation to persuasively convey the mission of PLU to diverse groups including donors, alumni, volunteers, board members and others.
- Ability to design, implement and direct strategic fundraising initiatives, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition.
- Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of PLU.
- Creative, organized and goal-oriented, coupled with a high level of initiative, energy, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- A high degree of professionalism, sensitivity and integrity.
- Comfort with the application of new technologies to fundraising and development programs; computer literacy with donor database systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel locally and nationally.
Required Qualifications
- Five years of successful experience in major gifts (six and seven figure) fundraising or comparable experience in development or related fields.
- Experience in higher education preferred.
- Experience working with active, involved volunteer leadership and senior university administrative leadership.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background check.
Application Procedure
Submit university application, cover letter, and resume to:
Human Resource Services
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447
PH: (253) 535-7185
Fax: (253) 535-8431
humr@plu.edu
For more information please visit the Office of Development website.
Download the University application or to request one, please call (253) 535-7185.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a comprehensive institution with
an enrollment of approximately 3600, including international students
from two dozen countries. Located on the Pacific Rim in a uniquely
scenic region, the university's campus is 40 miles south of Seattle in
suburban Tacoma, Washington. As a "New American College," PLU accents
integration between its liberal arts program and professional degrees
in the arts, business, education, nursing, and physical education, and
embraces its primary mission of educating students for lives of
thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care. PLU enjoys a healthy
and progressive relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA). The University is committed to diversity, endorses the
goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and actively seeks
applications from women and persons of color.
