Feb 1st, 2024
Columbia University
Major Gifts Officer, General Studies and Arts & Sciences
( new york | Hybrid )
About the Organization
Columbia University is one of the world’s most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis.
It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the University to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.
Job Description
Position reports to: Executive Director of Major Gifts, Arts & Sciences
Position salary range: $120,000 - $130,000 / year
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director of Major Gifts, Arts & Sciences, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a key member of a dynamic fundraising team and is responsible for moving a portfolio of 150 prospects through the complete giving cycle: validation, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship. The Major Gifts team plays a vital role in the fundraising success of Columbia’s student support initiative to raise $1.4 billion in financial aid funding, and supports all other General Studies and Arts & Sciences fundraising initiatives. This position will collaborate with University officials, faculty, the Deputy Vice President for Development, campaign volunteers, and colleagues throughout the Alumni and Development community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Identifies, cultivates and solicits alumni, parents and friends of the School of General Studies and Columbia College & Arts & Sciences.
* Conducts a minimum of 150 personal visits annually to cultivate and solicit prospects and close gifts.
* Completes a minimum of 15 major gifts asks, 25 leadership annual fund asks and 10 planned giving conversations on an annual basis.
* Conducts regular validation meetings with prospects and alumni who have not been visited previously to help determine giving potential and opportunities for engagement. Designs and develops cultivation and solicitation strategies.
* Manages prospect relationships to enhance continued and increased support and attend events which facilitate contact with prospects.
* Works in a highly collaborative environment, members of the Major Gifts team have opportunities to engage with faculty, participate in project teams, and manage volunteers.
* Major Gift portfolios include both New York and regional assignments involving travel.
* Ensures maintenance of all records in the Advance database in a timely fashion.
* Prepares solicitation materials, including proposals and executive summaries.
* Partners actively with campus colleagues to advance Office of Alumni and Development objectives and build partnerships leading to increased major gift production.
* Works closely with the Dean's Office of the School of General Studies, and along with the Executive Director of Major Gifts, acts as primary General Studies development lead for Major Gifts in the Office of Alumni & Development.
* Officers may be asked to perform related tasks, as needed.
Additional information
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree is required. A minimum of five (5) years of fundraising or related development experience is required. Must have a demonstrated success in achieving fundraising goals and managing high-level donor relationships. Possess a proven ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner is essential. The capacity to clearly comprehend and communicate University’s mission and ongoing initiatives is required. Prior experience in a not for profit, or similarly complex organization, preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking, and client/customer awareness. Must possess the ability work with changing priorities and multiple projects.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and active listening skills. Must be able to problem-solve and troubleshoot, in addition to the ability to work independently in a dynamic team environment. Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders.
Some evening work is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree preferred.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.