Major Gift Officer

Bethany College, WV

Bethany College, a distinguished liberal arts college with a rich history and deep commitment to student success, seeks a dedicated Major Gift Officer (MGO) to join its Advancement Team. This role is integral to advancing the mission of Bethany College and fostering strong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the institution to secure transformative philanthropic support.

Position OverviewReporting to the Vice President for Advancement, Marketing, and Communications, the Major Gift Officer will work closely with institutional leaders, faculty, and trustees to engage donors and secure major gifts aligned with the College’s strategic priorities. This includes the College's ongoing comprehensive campaign, scholarship initiatives, programmatic growth, and campus improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management: Strategically manage a portfolio of 150 households, including alumni, parents, and friends with the capacity to make gifts of $25K+.
Donor Engagement and Solicitation: Conduct meaningful engagement and solicitation strategies, leading to major and planned gift commitments. This includes major gift solicitations, annual fund contributions, and planned gifts.
Prospect Discovery and Qualification: Identify and qualify new prospects through research, outreach, and discovery meetings to grow the pool of engaged donors.
Stewardship and Relationship Building: Cultivate long-term relationships with donors by implementing thoughtful stewardship plans, recognizing contributions, and ensuring consistent communication about the impact of their philanthropy.
Proposal Development: Collaborate with faculty, staff, and leadership to create compelling proposals that align donor interests with institutional priorities.
Database Management: Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, solicitation plans, and gift documentation in the College’s database (currently using Raiser’s Edge).
Collaboration and Travel: Travel frequently to meet with donors across the region and beyond. The MGO will also host and participate in on-campus events designed to engage and recognize donors.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience in fundraising, alumni engagement, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities.
A commitment to the mission and values of Bethany College and an understanding of the unique dynamics of a small liberal arts institution.
Proficiency with donor management software and willingness to learn new systems.
Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 50% of the time) and conduct 100+ visits per year.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in higher education advancement or nonprofit fundraising.

About Bethany College Founded in 1840, Bethany College is the oldest private college in West Virginia and is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful lives of work and service. With a scenic campus and a tight-knit community, Bethany offers a unique educational experience rooted in the liberal arts tradition.

Application Process Candidates interested in advancing the mission of Bethany College through major gift development are encouraged to apply. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

Bethany College is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion as central to its mission.

Bethany College

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Major Gift Officer