Director of Major Gifts

Norwich University, founded in 1819, seeks a Director of Major Gifts to join our team as we begin the planning for our Bicentennial Campaign.

Responsibilities:
Major Donor Solicitation and Stewardship – Develop and implement individual strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit major gift prospects at gift level of $25,000 and above. Supervise a staff of three Development Officers and one administrative support person. Personally manage a portfolio of 50-75 prospects. Increase the size and number of gifts to meet the institution’s short and long-term fundraising goals. Provide donor stewardship and recognition and work with colleagues to implement institution-level stewardship strategies. Coordinate major gift prospect strategies with president’s office and class relations. Extensive travel needed to build donor relations.

Prospect Research, Tracking and Management – Grow the major gift prospect pool through organizational research resources. Document contacts, cultivation and solicitation plans in the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database.

Collaboration and Coordination with Key Internal Stakeholders – Build productive internal relationships with senior leadership and faculty. Develop in-depth understanding of the plans, goals, relevance and national competitiveness of proposed programs and projects seeking support.

Operational Planning & Budget Oversight – Work with VP for Development and Alumni Relations to develop comprehensive fundraising strategy and operational plan. Develop and manage major gifts budget.
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; five or more years of related work experience; a deep appreciation for the mission and priorities of the University, strong communication (written and verbal), organizational and interpersonal skills; proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases; willingness to travel regionally and nationally on a frequent basis; ability to motivate volunteers and donors; self-motivated; champion teamwork in a complex organization; ability to work well in a diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Masters Degree; successful track record in major-gift fundraising in a university setting, or successful six-figure + individual sales experience. Proficiency using Raiser’s Edge.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and Norwich University application to Director of Major Gifts Search, via email: jobs@norwich.edu.

Norwich University is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, group life and long term disability insurance, flexible-spending accounts for health and dependent care, retirement annuity plan and tuition scholarships for eligible employees and their family members.