Delaware Valley University
Major Gift Officer
Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States, 18903
Position Summary:
Delaware Valley University (DelVal) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, and results- oriented Major Gift Officer (MGO) to join its Development and Alumni Affairs team during a transformational moment in the University's history. As DelVal prepares to launch its most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign to date, this position is essential to building momentum and securing philanthropic investments that will shape the University's future. The MGO will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $25,000 and above from alumni, parents, friends, and other supporters of the University. This role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support key institutional priorities, including scholarships, academic innovation, experiential education, and capital projects.
About Delaware Valley University:
Founded in 1896, Delaware Valley University is a independent, nonprofit institution in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, committed to providing students with a transformative education rooted in real- world, hands-on experience. The University's signature Experience360 program integrates experiential learning with academic rigor to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. DelVal is preparing to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on: 1) enhancing the student experience across all disciplines; 2) increasing scholarship support and access to education; 3) investing in academic excellence and expanding signature programs (E360); 4) developing state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and learning; 5) ensuring the long-term sustainability of the institution
Key Responsibilities: • Manage a portfolio of 100-125 major gift prospects with the capacity to give $25,000+ • Develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies • Conduct 144 meaningful donor interactions annually, including in-person and virtual visits • Solicit and close 24 major gifts annually, 18 which must be at the major gift level. • Collaborate closely with advancement leadership and faculty to craft compelling cases for support • Prepare timely and effective proposals, reports, and presentations for donors and prospects • Identify and qualify new prospects for pipeline development and planned giving opportunities • Track all prospect activity in the University's CRM (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT) with accuracy and detail • Support donor engagement at campaign and university-wide events • Assist in the strategy and execution of campaign cultivation and recognition programs
Performance Metrics & Benchmarks: • Portfolio Size: 100-125 qualified major gift prospects • Donor Contacts: Minimum 12 strategic interactions per month • Solicitations: 15-25 gift asks per year, 18 at the major gifts level • New Prospect Identification: 20-30 annually for pipeline development • Retention Rate: Maintain a 75%+ stewardship/renewal rate of current major donors • Campaign Engagement: Advance a defined number of campaign-aligned gifts
Qualifications:
Required: • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in development, with at least 2 years focused on major gift fundraising or equivalent experience in sales/client engagement • Proven track record of closing five- and six-figure gifts or business deals • Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills • Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management abilities • Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings/weekends • Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications
Preferred: • Experience in higher education fundraising or campaign environments • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge NXT or similar donor management systems • Knowledge of planned giving and donor-advised fund strategies • Ability to understand and articulate academic programs and institutional priorities
Core Competencies: • Relationship Building: Cultivates trust and rapport with donors, faculty, and internal stakeholders • Donor-Centric Communication: Connects donors' values with DelVal's mission and vision • Strategic Planning: Designs and implements comprehensive prospect strategies • Campaign Alignment: Advances campaign goals through personalized engagement • Collaboration: Partners effectively across teams and departments • Integrity: Exercises discretion and sound judgment in all donor interactions
Why Join DelVal Now?
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Delaware Valley University. As we prepare for a transformative comprehensive campaign, the Major Gift Officer will have a front-row seat and a pivotal role in building the resources and relationships necessary to ensure the University's success for generations to come. You will be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, impact, and the power of education-and you'll make a difference every day in the lives of DelVal students and the community we serve.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references via the Delaware Valley University career portal.
Delaware Valley University (DelVal) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, and results- oriented Major Gift Officer (MGO) to join its Development and Alumni Affairs team during a transformational moment in the University's history. As DelVal prepares to launch its most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign to date, this position is essential to building momentum and securing philanthropic investments that will shape the University's future. The MGO will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts of $25,000 and above from alumni, parents, friends, and other supporters of the University. This role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support key institutional priorities, including scholarships, academic innovation, experiential education, and capital projects.
About Delaware Valley University:
Founded in 1896, Delaware Valley University is a independent, nonprofit institution in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, committed to providing students with a transformative education rooted in real- world, hands-on experience. The University's signature Experience360 program integrates experiential learning with academic rigor to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. DelVal is preparing to launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on: 1) enhancing the student experience across all disciplines; 2) increasing scholarship support and access to education; 3) investing in academic excellence and expanding signature programs (E360); 4) developing state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and learning; 5) ensuring the long-term sustainability of the institution
Key Responsibilities: • Manage a portfolio of 100-125 major gift prospects with the capacity to give $25,000+ • Develop and execute customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies • Conduct 144 meaningful donor interactions annually, including in-person and virtual visits • Solicit and close 24 major gifts annually, 18 which must be at the major gift level. • Collaborate closely with advancement leadership and faculty to craft compelling cases for support • Prepare timely and effective proposals, reports, and presentations for donors and prospects • Identify and qualify new prospects for pipeline development and planned giving opportunities • Track all prospect activity in the University's CRM (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT) with accuracy and detail • Support donor engagement at campaign and university-wide events • Assist in the strategy and execution of campaign cultivation and recognition programs
Performance Metrics & Benchmarks: • Portfolio Size: 100-125 qualified major gift prospects • Donor Contacts: Minimum 12 strategic interactions per month • Solicitations: 15-25 gift asks per year, 18 at the major gifts level • New Prospect Identification: 20-30 annually for pipeline development • Retention Rate: Maintain a 75%+ stewardship/renewal rate of current major donors • Campaign Engagement: Advance a defined number of campaign-aligned gifts
Qualifications:
Required: • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in development, with at least 2 years focused on major gift fundraising or equivalent experience in sales/client engagement • Proven track record of closing five- and six-figure gifts or business deals • Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills • Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management abilities • Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings/weekends • Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications
Preferred: • Experience in higher education fundraising or campaign environments • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge NXT or similar donor management systems • Knowledge of planned giving and donor-advised fund strategies • Ability to understand and articulate academic programs and institutional priorities
Core Competencies: • Relationship Building: Cultivates trust and rapport with donors, faculty, and internal stakeholders • Donor-Centric Communication: Connects donors' values with DelVal's mission and vision • Strategic Planning: Designs and implements comprehensive prospect strategies • Campaign Alignment: Advances campaign goals through personalized engagement • Collaboration: Partners effectively across teams and departments • Integrity: Exercises discretion and sound judgment in all donor interactions
Why Join DelVal Now?
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of Delaware Valley University. As we prepare for a transformative comprehensive campaign, the Major Gift Officer will have a front-row seat and a pivotal role in building the resources and relationships necessary to ensure the University's success for generations to come. You will be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, impact, and the power of education-and you'll make a difference every day in the lives of DelVal students and the community we serve.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references via the Delaware Valley University career portal.