Major Gift Officer

Title: Major Gift Officer

Reports to: Campaign Director

Position Status: Exempt/Administrator

Job Summary

The Major Gift Officer will work collaboratively and strategically with colleagues in the Alumni and Development office. Reporting to the Campaign Director, the Major Gift Officer will serve as a key member of a dynamic fundraising team. This position will be an integral part of an upcoming comprehensive campaign, which will center around the school' centennial celebration in 2027. The person in this role is expected to support donors to achieve their philanthropic goals and ambitions by fostering their relationship with Avon Old Farms School.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 125 donor prospects through the complete giving cycle: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of gifts.

• Ability to manage systems/software to track and cultivate donor prospects.

• Make direct solicitations and support key volunteers and other staff with their solicitations.

• Work independently and creatively to match donors’ interests with institutional priorities

• Develop funding proposals in partnership with development colleagues; negotiate and structure complex gifts

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of Avon’s priorities, academic and co-curricular programs, and develop relationships with key faculty and administrators.

• Effectively develop relationships with key faculty and administrators.

Job requirements & Characteristics

• 3 years (required) of broad and successful fundraising experience. Knowledge and experience with Development Industry best practices.

• Fundraising in an academic setting is preferred.

• Understanding and experience of overall development operations and ability to support efforts across the different department functions.

• Contribute to the culture of giving at Avon Old Farm through detailed work, a positive attitude, and “team first” approach.

• Previous successful track record of successfully managing a portfolio that includes five and six figure gifts.

• Ability to maintain a climate of professionalism, advocacy and confidentiality.

• Exceptional time management and ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability and interest in service to the mission and vision of Avon Old Farms School through successful fundraising efforts.

• Anticipated travel and some weekend and evening obligations.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Avon Old Farms School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its policies and programs. Candidates are selected by their qualifications to meet the needs of the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Avon, CT 06001: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Development & Major Gifts Occupations: 3 years (Preferred)
• Fundraising: 3 years (Preferred)
• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location