Job Description Summary
Reporting to the Senior Managing Director of Annual and Leadership Giving, the Leadership Gifts Officer (LGO) plays a significant role in securing philanthropic support for Bentley University’s strategic priorities. The LGO qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals with the capacity to make annual gifts of $2,500 or more, as well as multiyear commitments.The successful LGO will build strong relationships with individuals in their portfolio and develop and execute strategic solicitation plans. This role uses data to evaluate and prioritize a portfolio of 125–150 individuals. Collaboration is highly valued across the university, particularly with University Advancement colleagues and frontline partners in Alumni & Family Engagement, Donor Relations, and Prospect Research.
Essential Duties:
Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close annual commitments of $2,500+ and multiyear pledges of $10,000+ while helping build a future major gift pipeline.
Meet or exceed annual goals for gift revenue, meetings, qualification, solicitation, and other key performance indicators.
Maximize productivity through portfolio management strategies supported by prospect research, data analytics, AI, and other technology tools.
Maintain timely and accurate database records, including contact reports, demographic updates, and moves management activity.
Prepare donor correspondence, gift documentation, briefing materials, and related documents.
Partner with frontline teams, including Major Giving, Annual Giving, Gift Planning, and Corporate and Foundation Relations, to create comprehensive solicitation strategies that advance shared goals.
Collaborate with the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement and the Pulsifer Career Development Center to maximize resources and create opportunities to engage prospects and donors through events and related activities.
Steward donors in collaboration with the Donor Relations team.
Develop and articulate a strong knowledge of Bentley University’s culture, fundraising priorities, mission, and strategic positioning, as well as its academic, co-curricular, and athletic programs, faculty, students, and administration.
Understand and meet departmental standards, policies, and procedures with respect to all aspects of the position.
Other Duties:
Participate in and organize, as appropriate, the planning of targeted cultivation events locally and out of state.
Attend and staff events which may require travel, evening, and weekend responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of frontline fundraising, sales, account management, or related experience, preferably within higher education.
A positive, collaborative, and proactive professional who is results-oriented, enthusiastic, and comfortable making direct person-to-person solicitations.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Experience using CRM donor databases and intermediate proficiency with Microsoft 365.
Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
Demonstration of a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a value-driven organization.
Ability to interact professionally and maintain confidentiality.
Must hold and maintain a valid, unrestricted US driver’s license, with an insurable driving history as determined by Bentley’s insurance carrier.
Work Environment:
This role offers a flexible work arrangement, combining in-person attendance with remote work. On-site presence is required based on business needs, team collaboration, or scheduled meetings. Scheduling specifics will be determined in conjunction with the manager. As with any flexible arrangement, this arrangement is subject to change based on business needs.
The LGO must be able to travel by car, plane, and public transportation, as the position requires 10–20% day and overnight travel.
Some weekend and evening duties are required.
Pay Transparency
At Bentley we offer a “total rewards” package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we’re sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.
Salary Grade Range:
$91,150 - $150,890 per year
If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at [email protected].
Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum of 3 years frontline fundraising, sales, account management, or related experience
- Experience in higher education fundraising (preferred)
- Comfortable making direct person-to-person solicitations; results-oriented and proactive
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience using CRM donor databases
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft 365
- Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks with close attention to detail and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Ability to interact professionally and maintain confidentiality
- Valid, unrestricted US driver's license and insurable driving history
- Ability to travel 10-20% (day and overnight) and work some evenings/weekends
What We Do
Bentley, a private, not-for-profit university, is a place for successful leaders who set out to create positive change in our communities, organizations and the world. We believe in doing business and doing good at the same time. By combining business education with arts and sciences, we provide students with the critical thinking and practical skills to help them collaborate effectively, communicate clearly and lead successful, rewarding careers.
Why Work With Us
Bentley is proud to be an employer of choice, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits (including tuition remission), generous time off, a welcoming community and a beautiful work environment.
