Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Development, the Major Gift Officer identifies, cultivates, and solicits alumni, parents and friends on behalf of Columbia University and its 17 schools and programs in the Southeast region of the United States as well as in Latin America.

Columbia University continually seeks funds for facilities, endowed scholarships, fellowships and professorships, as well as unrestricted and restricted current use purposes. The University recently launched a $1.4B Student Support Initiatives to increase its financial aid offer across the institutions. The Major Gifts officer plays a central role collaborating with university officials, School leadership, faculty, development senior leadership, campaign volunteers, and colleagues throughout the Alumni and Development community.

Major Gifts Officers on the University Development team are responsible for managing a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects within assigned geographic regions by qualifying prospects and cultivate potential contributors; designing and developing solicitation strategies; identifying gift opportunities that match donors' interests; and personally, soliciting gifts and continually stewarding major gift donors. The Major Gifts Officer will achieve and document 150 prospect visits per year as well as achieve 15 asks of $250,000 or above per year.

Major Gift Officers on the University Development team carry portfolios with geographic regional assignments requiring significant travel. Working in a highly collaborative environment, members of the Major Gifts team have opportunities to engage with multiple Columbia schools and faculty, participate in project teams, and manage volunteers. Experience working in complex organizations and ability to navigate multiple priorities is recommended. Officers may be asked to perform related tasks, as needed. The Major Gifts Officers are expected to be self-motivated, well-organized and collegial partners, and, above all, persuasive advocates for Columbia University's priorities. 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Leads the evaluation, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects and donors, while managing a portfolio of 150 major rated donors, with a specific focus on the Southeast United States and Latin America. Develops long-term relationships with these individuals and cultivates their interest in Columbia.
• The Global Major Gifts officer will achieve and document 150 prospect visits per year as well as achieve 15 asks of $250,000 or above per year.
• Works closely with colleagues in the University Development team and colleagues in schools across campus on prospect identification, strategy, solicitation, and stewardship. Consultation and collaboration with school-based colleagues are essential.
• Successfully meets fundraising goals by identifying and personally working with prospects through successful gift closings. Contributes to an ongoing process of identifying/evaluating, and tracking a comprehensive pool of prospects.
• Works with alumni, parents, and friends of Columbia and their advisors, and leads efforts through high-level volunteers, both external and internal to the University; collaborates with other staff, academic leaders, and faculty to develop gift ideas and strategies and foster productive relationships for Columbia.
• Actively maintains a current body of knowledge about Columbia and its development priorities; develops a thorough understanding of the programs and aspirations of each of Columbia's schools and other units where major gift fundraising is needed.
• Creates and supports strong ties to the academic units of Columbia University, gaining an in-depth understanding of their programs and opportunities for giving; serves as an effective representative in a university-wide array of giving opportunities and possesses the flexibility and breadth of perspective to draw on the most appropriate opportunities, given the interests of the donor or prospect, and builds the most relevant ties to the institution.
• Other responsibilities and special projects as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree desirable. Five to seven years of related experience, preferably in fund raising or related transferable experience, with demonstrated success in annual or capital giving or applicable ability. Excellent writing and communication skills, tact, sensitivity and mature judgment are required. Must be professional, organized, creative and efficient, able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team. This position requires evening and weekend work and travel 30-50% time. Preference given to candidates with a documented record of successfully closing gifts within or near the range of gifts expected from the incumbent. 

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred.  Experience with higher education fund-raising also preferred. Strong work ethic, resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal integrity are preferred qualities. 

Other Requirements

During the course of their fundraising work, this person will engage with a variety of individuals including, volunteers, alumni, friends, deans, and other academic leaders, faculty, university officers and staff outside Columbia. Excitement about the mission of Columbia University accompanied by excellent written, communication and relationship building skills are crucial. Commitment to strong record-keeping and information sharing is essential. Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.