Major Gift Officer, Special Projects

La Salle University • Full-time • Philadelphia, PA, US • 5m ago

Department: 421000 - Development

Position Summary

Serving as a key member of the University Advancement team, the Major Gift Officer for Special Projects (MGOSP) is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects. Personally developing and managing their portfolio, the MGOSP secures major gifts of $50K+, with a focus on gifts at $100K and above, to support the University's strategic priorities.

In close collaboration with the Vice President of University Advancement, AVP, advancement colleagues, and other partners across campus, the MGOSP's work will help inform the overall advancement strategy as the team joins together to continually deepen relationships with existing alumni and donors and forge new relationships to achieve ambitious goals.

La Salle's fundraising program is building momentum. The Known for Supporting Students initiative is the top priority for the University's annual giving program among alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends. La Salle has several other priority fundraising projects, some of which this
teammate will help to manage and lead.

The MGOSP operates with cultural fluency, empathy, and high emotional intelligence in their efforts to build donor pipelines and establish individual relationships. La Salle will rely on the MGOSP to exhibit professional maturity, respect, and intellectual curiosity to effectively partner with multiple deans, faculty, coaches, and advancement colleagues as well as prospects, donors, supporters, and volunteers. Highly organized, the MGOSP has excellent project management skills with superior attention to detail and an ability to effortlessly handle multiple priorities with a clear ability to prioritize outcomes. The MGOSP exhibits strong professional judgment and exemplifies a compassionate, professional, and donor-centric demeanor in all interactions.

The MGOSP has a strong commitment to the mission and values of La Salle University and communicates its impact compellingly. This position is a self-starters, consummate team players who support colleagues, and will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where mission-driven individuals roll up their sleeves to move the needle.

Essential Duties

DONOR CULTIVATION & SOLICITATION

Develop an annual work plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts focused on the University's fundraising priorities.
Manage and cultivate a portfolio of 100-125 major gift donors ($50K+) with a focus on earning philanthropic support for special projects.
Develop and maintain a broad and deep understanding of the University's programs, priorities, and strategic plans to effectively communicate and engage donors.
Develop, write, and submit major gift proposals.
Devise and implement personalized strategies to engage donors and prospects. Assume stewardship responsibilities for donors.
Conduct face-to-face meetings, including local and regional travel within the Philadelphia metro area.
Achieve stated metrics and goals; provide transparency into donor activities by documenting detailed call reports in Salesforce for each prospect visit regarding donor's affinity and ability to give to the identified priorities.
Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and solicitations Salesforce. Provide detailed reports and analysis of fundraising activities, progress towards goals, and emerging opportunities.
Represent La Salle University at various events, meetings, and gatherings to build and maintain relationships with alumni, friends, and supporters.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Lead and manage fundraising for special projects.
In partnership with the AVP and others, help build, implement, and execute fundraising plans for special projects.
Oversee, update, and present plans for and status reports on fundraising projects for special priorities.
Partner with colleagues in advancement and beyond to lead these projects to successful outcomes.

STRATEGIC COLLABORATION

Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Development, advancement leadership, and other team members to develop fundraising strategies that support institutional goals.
Partner with colleagues across departments to leverage connections and maximize individual donor engagement opportunities.
Contribute to the planning and execution of major fundraising initiatives, including capital improvements and new campaigns.
Assist in the onboarding and mentoring of new team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Secondary Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned to support La Salle's efforts to build and grow.

# of Direct Reports: 0

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Minimum of three years of demonstrated success in relationship management, such as fundraising, alumni relations, sales, or a related field.
Exceptional verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate values, convey information, and present compelling cases for support to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while working both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Strategic thinker with the capacity to navigate complexity, understand higher education philanthropy, and effectively engage alumni, donors, university leaders, and faculty.
Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
Strong research and data analysis skills; highly organized with a focus on customer service, prioritization, and effective project management.
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
Professional presence with intellectual depth, maturity, and credibility to earn the confidence and trust of internal and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM/database systems; willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
Entrepreneurial mindset with initiative and drive to cultivate and strengthen relationships that advance institutional goals.
Demonstrated motivation for success, paired with integrity, sincerity, and a commitment to excellence.
Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of La Salle University.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous fundraising and solicitation experience in higher education.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

Extensive local and regional travel required
Evening and weekends as responsibilities require.

Special Instructions to Applicant

La Salle University is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek candidates who will contribute to a positive, inclusive, and supportive community, and who are committed to working collaboratively with students, fostering critical thinking, supporting their success, and helping them realize their full potential.

La Salle University offers its eligible employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, employer paid life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays), and tuition benefits such as no cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs for its employees (with no wait period) and no cost undergraduate degree programs for its employees' dependents (after completing the required years of service).

Application Open Date: 11/07/2025