Major Gifts Officer

Chatham University welcomes your interest in employment opportunities and encourages you to review open positions. Please note that Chatham does not accept unsolicited applications.

The Office of University Advancement, which serves a diverse population of over 18,000 Chatham University alumni and friends, is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to join our team. The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a collaborative and experienced fundraising professional who will build and manage relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to secure major gifts in support of Chatham’s strategic priorities.

The MGO will work closely with the Vice President for Advancement and Advancement teammates, the President, academic leaders, and colleagues across the University to develop and implement strategies that grow philanthropic support and strengthen engagement with Chatham’s donor community.

This position is a full-time, 40-hour per week position.  Travel is required for donor visits and University events.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 major gift prospects, with an emphasis on securing gifts of $25,000 and above.

• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects capable of making major and leadership level gifts.

• Conduct a minimum of 100–125 meaningful donor visits annually, moving prospects through the giving pipeline by actively managing and documenting moves management strategies.

• Personally solicit gifts in support of institutional priorities, including annual, major, and capital gift initiatives.

• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and volunteers to identify giving opportunities that align donor interests with University priorities.

• Prepare proposals, gift agreements, and other written materials to support solicitations.

• Partner with Advancement colleagues in annual giving, planned giving, stewardship, and alumni engagement to ensure a coordinated donor experience.

• Support University events and programs that advance donor relationships and philanthropy.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions and activity in the University’s Advancement database (Virtuous).

• Represent Chatham University in a professional and enthusiastic manner to internal and external audiences.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and correspondence.

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Proficiency with donor databases (such as Virtuous) and Microsoft Office suite.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and correspondence.

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Proficiency with donor databases (such as Virtuous) and Microsoft Office suite.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Salary Range: 

$77,900 - $90,000. 40-hour work week.

Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience. 

How to Apply: 

Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/ChathamUniversity/job/Pittsburgh-PA/Major-Gift-Officer_JR00000449-1) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include: 

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
• Contact information for three professional references 

Applicants must upload all application materials at the time of submission. Please review your application carefully as no edits, additions, or changes can be made after submission.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.