Gift Officer

Are you passionate about learning and eager to contribute to a rebuilding effort with significant impact? Join our growing team on a beautiful campus in a vibrant city, where you'll work in a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing our institution's mission. We believe that a liberal arts education, a global perspective, and lifelong learning are essential to outstanding career preparation. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive college community aligns with our Dominican and Catholic identity.

As a key player in our Institutional Advancement team, you will coordinate strategies with colleagues to engage in the cultivation and stewardship of major gift prospects, and manage a robust portfolio of donors. Your efforts will help shape the future of education and contribute to our thriving community. If you have a proven track record in securing gifts, excellent organizational skills, and a drive for professional growth, we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:

• Work closely with colleagues to coordinate strategies and ensure a unified approach to Institutional Advancement.

• Engage in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors.

• Manage a portfolio of 100-150 donor prospects, focusing on individuals capable of making gifts at a leadership level or above.

• Develop and execute personalized donor engagement plans for each prospect.

• Conduct regular visits, phone calls, and written communications to build strong relationships with donors.

• Prepare compelling proposals, presentations, and other materials to secure major gifts.

• Support annual giving and sponsorship efforts through cultivating leadership gifts.

• Assist in the implementation and follow up of Institutional Advancement events.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, proposals and intentions.

• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities and training sessions.

• Lead planned giving efforts in partnership with colleagues in Institutional Advancement.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required with a minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising or a related field.

• Proven track record of successfully securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, or corporations.

• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage and prioritize a portfolio of donor prospects efficiently.

• Proficiency in donor management systems and software, such as Raiser's Edge or a similar CRM platform.

• High level of initiative, creativity, confidentiality, and resourcefulness, including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for donor visits and events, with a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for donor events and engagement activities.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be able to function effectively in a busy environment with interruptions.

• Constant use of computer and telephone.

• Some occasional lifting (20-35 pounds)

MISSION, VISION, VALUES:

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of "appreciative inquiry" to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.