Job Number: R0005906
At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education
to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative
community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by
our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!
When applying for the position, please ensure a thorough review of the job
details. If you are an internal employee, kindly utilize the internal portal on
Workday for your application. Prepare a comprehensive resume/cv and cover
letter for upload. Acceptable formats for these documents are either PDF
(.pdf) or Word (.doc).
Job Description
Under the direction of the Director of Major Gifts and Leadership Annual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer, Family Philanthropy develops the vision and leads the strategy for a comprehensive parent and family philanthropy program as part of Wellesley College's fundraising efforts and in support of the College's mission. The incumbent builds and implements new strategies to increase philanthropic support from parents and families, including cultivation and stewardship of the to-be-created Family Giving Circle.
Additionally, the Major Gifts Officer will cultivate and solicit their own portfolio of Wellesley parents and families with the capacity to make gifts of $250,000 or more to support College priorities, employing appropriate strategies and tactics in prospect and portfolio management that meet donor interaction and dollar goals including traveling to meet with prospects and donors.
Primary Position Responsibilities:
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of parent and family donors and prospects. Build relationships and solicit annual gifts, major gifts, principal gifts, and multi-year commitments to achieve annual fundraising goals that align with College priorities and parent and family interests.
Engage all Family Giving Circle members via campus programs when families are most naturally on-campus, via specially designed content-rich virtual events, and specialized newsletter distributions to cultivate a sense of connection, provide opportunities to learn about Wellesley's unique role in higher education, and inspire contributions to enhance the college experience for all students. Create collaborative strategies with internal and academic partners that encourage engagement, sustained leadership-level and major gift support amongst the parent and family community.
Collaborate with frontline colleagues to identify high-capacity parent and family prospects, and to elevate these donors' inclination to participate in the family philanthropy program with a minimum annual gift to participate. Develop and execute strategy to engage parents of incoming students, in partnership with the Director of Prospect Research.
Refine and build upon the Family Giving Circle's activities to maximize its impact and increase membership and giving. Monitor and analyze parent giving patterns, and use these metrics to inform projections, goals, and strategies.
Basic Qualifications:
5-7 years of front-line fundraising or comparable experience, including conducting solicitations and closing gifts, as well as having familiarity with reunion giving and/or alumni/ae development experience, preferably in an academic setting
Experience developing, closing, and stewarding prospects rated $250,000 or more and donors making gifts of 6 figures or more
Experience working with a wide-spectrum of volunteers and donors in an outward facing capacity
Skills and Abilities:
A commitment to the mission of Wellesley College-to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world-and a desire to embrace Wellesley's distinct traditions, values, and vision
Experience developing, closing, and stewarding prospects of high-net-worth
Experience working with a wide spectrum of volunteers and donors in an outward facing capacity
Excellent project management skills
An ability to complete complex tasks and multiple projects simultaneously, working both independently and as a member of a team
Superior written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills appropriate for engaging prospects and members of the campus community
Strategic thinking and analytical skills, including an ability to draw informed conclusions from data
An ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Comfort with ambiguity and an ability to pivot
An innovative and creative temperament
Excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to work collaboratively, and an orientation toward customer service
A commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion
The comfort with technology needed to communicate and share information confidently, as well as experience with a prospect database
Company Description
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.
Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.
Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.
Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!
Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.
