Major Gift Officers for Central Development, a School or a College, have senior level development responsibility for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of up to $100,000 and higher. Central Development Major Gift Officers report to the Executive Director of Development; School/College Major Gift Officers report to the respective School/College Director of Development.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a major gift fundraiser for Central Development, a School or a College. As such, manages 125-150 major gift prospects capable of making commitments of up to $100,000 and higher.
• Through personal visits and communications, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards assigned prospects.
• Develops detailed strategies and expectations on a quarterly basis for top tier assigned prospects.
• As appropriate, conducts major gift solicitations with Dean(s), department heads and senior development officers.
• Builds stronger relationships with internal and external constituencies, including alumni, parents and friends.
• Supports the planned gifts program through close collaboration with the Director of Planned Giving.
• Stewards donors through ongoing communications, recognition activities, invitations to key events, and interaction with beneficiaries of their support.
• Promotes UMass Amherst priorities and image to constituents. Serves as front line staff to promote campus goals and objectives. Maintains current knowledge of institutional priorities. As appropriate and in consultation with senior staff, cultivates and solicits prospects on behalf of other campus units.
• Follows Development procedures with regard to prospect management and documenting contacts. Responsible for oversight and submission of all relative fundraising reports, statistics, projections and publications.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

Demonstrates: integrity, confidence, enthusiasm, initiative, analytical ability, understanding of volunteer relations, the capacity to inspire cooperation, being a team player, understanding of the vital importance of public higher education and the breadth and complexity of a major research university, and a sense of humor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) or more years of experience in a development program, preferably with an educational institution. Equivalent experience in private sector sales or marketing will be considered.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts of $50,000+ required.
• Ability and willingness to travel on a frequent basis; required to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills required.
• Must possess strong administrative skills.
• Previous experience working with senior-level executives.
• Management experience desired.
• Knowledge of prospect management systems.
• Knowledge of database fundraising software BSR/CS Advance preferred.
• Web fundraising experience is a strong asset.

A national public research university established in 1863 and the flagship campus of the Commonwealth's university system, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is located on 1,450 acres in one of the most scenic areas of New England. Within its ten colleges and schools, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers bachelor's degrees in eighty-seven areas, master's degrees in seventy-three, and the doctoral degree in fifty-one. There are approximately 25,800 students enrolled on campus: 20,100 undergraduates and 5,700 graduate students. There are 211,000 alumni of record. For more information about the university, please visit www.umass.edu.

UMass Amherst offers excellent benefits and competitive compensation in a region of New England that offers the best of both city and country. This region is rich with creative arts, rural beauty, cultural diversity, and great music and restaurants fueled by the area's dense cluster of colleges, universities, and excellent public schools.

THE FOUNDATION

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation leads and supports private fund raising on behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the Amherst campus. Its volunteer Board of Directors provides leadership for the development of philanthropic investment in support of the research, teaching and outreach of UMass Amherst. The Foundation works closely with the campus leadership to identify opportunities for private support and to enhance the University's effectiveness in communicating its remarkable strength and opportunities to its many constituencies.

THE CAMPAIGN

Construction abounds on the campus as UMass Amherst is building facilities for Integrated Sciences, Studio Arts, and Nursing, with more capital projects planned over the next few years. The campus is in the "quiet phase" of an ambitious $350 million campaign, one unparalleled in the long, distinguished history of UMass Amherst. With two years into this seven year campaign, UMass Amherst has already raised $80 million.

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Institution Information
www.umass.edu/