Description
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Development, the Major Gift Officer (MGO) for Hofstra College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (HCLAS), serves as a key member of the Development and Alumni Affairs team. The MGO is a seasoned major gift fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of 80-100 constituents, donors and prospects and meeting established annual fundraising and visit goals.
The MGO supports University priorities by aligning donor interests with institutional funding needs and works closely with the Dean of HCLAS and other University leadership. In partnership with colleagues in Events, Stewardship, and Alumni Affairs, the MGO helps plan and execute fundraising and engagement strategies for the College. The role also includes managing volunteers serving on a dean’s advisory board.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Maintains and actively cultivates a portfolio of approximately 80–100 constituents capable of making a major gift commitment of $10,000 or more.
Serves as a frontline fundraiser, representing Hofstra University through donor meetings, events, and engagement activities, and manages relationships to increase major annual, restricted, and campaign gifts.
Develops and implements tailored fundraising strategies and solicitations, nurturing donor relationships through stewardship activities, events, one-on-one meetings, and donor communications (email, phone, and written correspondence).
Partners with the Dean of the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in support of the Dean’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
Prepares major gift proposals, briefing materials, and solicitation strategies as needed.
Drafts donor outreach communications and appeals related to major gift fundraising.
Attends cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events, including evening and occasional weekend events, to engage prospects and represent the University.
Accurately tracks donor communications, interactions, and stewardship activities in Raiser’s Edge NXT, maintaining complete and up-to-date donor records.
Works both independently and collaboratively with Prospect Management, Special Events, Alumni Affairs, and Stewardship colleagues.
Conducts a defined number of annual face-to-face visits with donors and prospective donors.
Completes a defined number of annual solicitation requests with increasing gift levels.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in development or constituent relations, preferably in a university or nonprofit setting.
Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies with professionalism and diplomacy.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Raiser’s Edge NXT or a similar CRM system.
Ability to travel and work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.
