Job Summary

The Major Gifts Officer is an active member of the Institutional Advancement team who works collaboratively and strategically with the college President, other fundraising professionals, faculty, and other campus leaders. Under the supervision of the Director of Development, the MGO will to cultivate relationships with donors and achieve fundraising goals. This position works closely with the Associate Vice President for Development Operations who supervises prospect management, advancement services and donor relations activities.

The MGO is evaluated based on criteria including quantity and quality of contacts and the resulting funds raised. The MGO position is full-time position with evening and weekend requirements. It is an on-site position with occasional need to work remotely.

Job Duties

  • Manages a portfolio of major donors / prospects ($25K – $1M+) including alumni, parents and friends of the college.
  • Manages all aspects of the gift cycle:
    • Initiates contacts with potential major gift donors.
    • Develops authentic relationships.
    • Develops appropriate cultivation and solicitation strategies, working with volunteers as needed.
    • Moves prospects in a timely fashion to solicitation and closure.
    • Maintains direct stewardship contact; monitors other contacts to ensure positive and purposeful donor relations.
  • Effectively manages timely submission of contact and expense reports
  • Effectively utilizes technical fundraising tools.
  • Secures gifts for campus-wide priorities including but not limited to general endowment, academic programs, endowed chairs, scholarships, unrestricted support, new and upgraded facilities, and campus improvements.
  • As part of the Moves Management process, offers prospect strategy and advice to the President, VP, DOD, and other IA staff; provides counsel to IA staff on alumni / outreach programming.
  • Participates in key on-campus and off-campus events for purposes of donor cultivation, enhancing familiarity with the Millsaps experience, and working collaboratively with faculty and staff.
  • Other duties as assigned by the DOD and VP for Institutional Advancement

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, business or a related field, or an equivalent mix of education and experience
  • Minimum of three years successful experience in fundraising or related field, preferably higher education fundraising
  • Working knowledge of planned giving tools is preferred
  • Ability to develop authentic relationships for matching the needs and interests of donors with needs of the college
  • Interest in all aspects of higher education with commitment to promoting Millsaps’ fundraising priorities
  • Understanding of small, church related, residential liberal arts colleges or ability to quickly grasp the values of this environment and adapt to operational style
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills with demonstrated record of completing assignments
  • Self-motivated with strong work ethic
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team
  • Strong decision-making skills, ability to work with confidential information; tact and discretion are essential
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms; experience with CRM program and/or ability to learn technical programs quickly

Physical & Availability Requirements

  • Ability to travel extensively and attend meetings and events on nights and weekends.
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Manual dexterity needed for keyboarding and other repetitive tasks.
  • Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should email a copy of their resume and a letter of interest to Brad.Ewing@millsaps.edu. No phone calls please.

About Millsaps

Millsaps College is a selective institution of higher education located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi — a progressive southern metropolitan city of nearly half a million. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of the region. The college was founded in 1890 by members of the Methodist Church and is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education.

Millsaps has an enrollment of approximately 750 students and employs 80 full-time faculty members. The faculty/student ratio at Millsaps is 1:9, and the average class size is 14. Millsaps has graduated 25 Fulbright Award recipients, seven Rhodes Scholars, six Goldwater Scholars and two Truman Scholars. Millsaps is a member of the NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association and competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.

EEO Statement

Millsaps College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Millsaps College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws.

All offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and verification of employment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Millsaps College provides a competitive benefits package.

It is the policy of Millsaps College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact humanresources@millsaps.edu.

Additional Information

For additional information about Millsaps College please visit Millsaps.edu