Major Gifts Officer - College of Fine Arts and Communications

Campus: UW-Stevens Point

Department: University Advancement

Pay Range: $50,000 - $57,732; based on qualifications and experience.

Anticipated Start Date: October 2024

Application Deadline: 9/13/24

University Description:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point.

Total Rewards:

UW Stevens Point provides a competitive benefits package including monthly premiums starting at $32, deductibles starting at $250, auto-enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension) with employer contributions, and 17 days of paid time off (PTO)*. Additional benefits and more information available on our Total Rewards page. Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement with a dotted line relationship to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC), the Major Gifts Officer fosters lasting relationships with alumni, friends, and donors of UW-Stevens Point that result in increased engagement and philanthropic support. The College of Fine Arts and Communication houses the School of Design and Communication and the School of Performing Arts as well as Suzuki Programs. The College of Fine Arts and Communication at UW-Stevens Point is accredited by all four professional arts associations: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, National Association of Schools of Dance, National Association of Schools of Music and National Association of Schools of Theatre, in addition to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Working in close coordination with the University Advancement team and UWSP Foundation, the Major Gifts Officer will develop and document strategies that engage our donors and prospective givers through purposeful, personalized steps that can lead to an ask for support, with a focus on commitments of $25,000 and above in support of COFAC programs and related campus priorities. The ideal candidate listens effectively, has a strong sense of curiosity, welcomes diverse ideas, takes initiative, accepts responsibility, shares credit, and shows integrity and persistence in meeting long-term and complex goals. This position is based in Wisconsin with travel to strategic locations in the United States where UW-Stevens Point alumni, friends, and donors are located.

Shift: 7:45am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. Extended hours may be necessary in the evenings and weekends to accommodate donor meetings.

Department Description:

The mission of the UWSP University Advancement Department is to strengthen relationships with university stakeholders and manage engagement by telling the UWSP story and fundraising activities to secure resources and support for the university’s mission and vision.

University Advancement works to increase the resources available to the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point by generating philanthropic interests and volunteer support. 

Advancement oversees activities of the UWSP Alumni Association, Major Gift Officers, Advancement Services and the UWSP Foundation.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, or in other roles that emphasize interpersonal communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on activities with minimal direction.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with proven ability to prioritize to meet goals.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a broad range of colleagues and constituents.
• Strong sense of ethical conduct and ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Available to travel and driving a state vehicle, and work weekends and evenings as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree. 
• Thorough working knowledge of major gifts development and/or donor relations concepts, principles, and practices.
• Experience in and/or appreciation of the unique environment of higher education.
• Previous experience working with a CRM or donor database.

HOW TO APPLY:

In order to ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted via our website and include ALL required information: Cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references.

This position and instructions on how to apply are located on our website. Please be sure to complete all required fields and include all required documents before submitting your application.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by Thursday, 08/14/2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. 

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:  

- Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience  

- Resume/Curriculum Vitae 

(Official Transcripts may be required of finalist) 

Position Contact:

For additional information regarding the position, please email:

Brandin Helmers, Chair, Search and Screen Committee

Email: bhelmers@uwsp.edu

HR Contact:

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: human.resources@uwsp.edu

Phone: 715-346-2606

Terms of Employment:

This is an Academic Staff annual appointment, exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. UW-Stevens Point does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.EverythingPointsHere.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu.

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

EEO Statement:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

*PTO offering prorated based on start date and hours worked.