Major & Planned Gifts Officer

Dominican University

Dominican at a Glance:

Dominican University is highly regarded for its academic rigor, intentional affordability and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican as follows:

  • #10 in the Midwest. Ranked 10th overall from among nearly 160 master's level universities in the Midwest.
  • #1 Best Value. Ranked first in the prestigious publication's list of "Best Value Schools" in the Chicago area. This study looks closely at each school's academic quality and average cost of attendance.
  • #1 in Social Mobility. Recognized Dominican's success in enrolling and graduating large proportions of economically disadvantaged students, placing first in Illinois.
  • #11 in Best Undergraduate Teaching. Recognizes the Dominican faculty's unusually strong commitment to high-quality teaching at the undergraduate level.

We offer hundreds of avenues at the undergraduate and graduate levels to explore career interests and experience diverse cultures and international environments. And we organize and support 60-plus projects and learning experiences that contribute effectively to the good of local and global communities.

https://www.dom.edu/


Position Details

Major & Planned Gifts Officer
Job
Full-time
1/7/2021
Northern Illinois
River Forest, IL

PRIMARY PURPOSE/POSITION SUMMARY:

Design and implement strategies for the solicitation of major and planned gifts. Develop and manage a portfolio of up to 125 active prospects with the capacity and inclination to make a gift of $25,000 or more to support the university’s strategic plan and funding priorities.

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.

JOB COMPONENTS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop a working knowledge of Dominican University, its strategic plan, and identified funding priorities.
  • Manage a level of activity to generate 10-15 prospect face-to-face visits per month leading to growth in the number of completed major and planned gift solicitations. In partnership with the Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations, assure timely and meaningful stewardship of gifts from assigned donors. 
  • Serve as staff resource and advocate for planned giving initiatives for staff, donors and prospects. 
  • Provide leadership for planned giving programing including the Mazzuchelli Heritage Society newsletter, website, events and targeted programs. 
  • Work with the Vice President and University Advancement colleagues in developing meaningful volunteer and campus partnerships in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift prospects. 
  • Assume responsibility for leading funding initiatives focused on strategic activities to advance philanthropic relationships towards campaign priorities. 
  • Staff university officials, as needed, on calls for the purposes of prospect cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. 
  • Communicate appropriately with university advancement staff regarding information about major and planned gift prospects, including contact reports, proposal generation, gift acknowledgement and other data important for maintenance of donor/prospect records. 
  • Assist with or provide leadership, as necessary or requested, for university advancement functions such as capital campaign initiatives, events, screening sessions, presidential briefings, committee meetings, and volunteer activities. 
  • Perform other duties as requested, delegated or assigned.

All qualifications are required unless otherwise indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated successful track record in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major and planned gifts ($25,000 and above) is required. 
  • Must be entrepreneurial, creative, and capable of working in a mission-based institution. 
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential. 
  • Must interact well with all types of people, and be able to address the public with ease. 
  • Ability to take initiative and follow through with minimal supervision. 
  • Demonstration of integrity, positive attitude and sense of humor. 
  • Diplomacy, tact and courtesy are paramount. 
  • Working knowledge of planned and deferred giving is desirable. 
  • Familiarity with prospect management systems and Blackbaud are highly desirable.

Education and Experience:

  • BA/BS required. 
  • A demonstrated successful record of accomplishment and at least 3-5 years of significant development experience, preferably in higher education. 
  • Experience should include work in a major gift program and/or higher level annual giving program.

A background screening is required.



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