Senior Major Gifts Officer

The University of Southern Maine Foundation

Senior Major Gifts Officer

The University of Southern Maine Foundation is seeking an experienced Senior Major Gifts Officer to fill a newly created position that will complete our frontline fundraising team and help set the stage for our next ambitious chapter. The Senior Major Gifts Officer will be an experienced major gifts fundraiser with a track record of soliciting and closing 6- to 7-figure gifts. The Senior Major Gifts Officer will be a creative relationship-builder who will make an immediate impact on the Foundation’s fundraising priorities while simultaneously helping to build a pipeline of future major donors. The ideal candidate will be results-oriented and skilled at developing strategies to build long-term relationships with donors. A high level of knowledge and expertise in areas of major gifts and gift planning strategies is essential, preferably in higher education.

The mission of the USM Foundation is to serve as a catalyst for transformation at the University of Southern Maine. The Foundation is pursuing new and innovative ways to strengthen scholarship programs, raise capital and achieve ambitious goals, as we help to fuel transformation at the University of Southern Maine. The Foundation employs an experienced and resourceful team dedicated to supporting the success of the University and its students. The Foundation is an independent, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization governed by a Board of Directors, which has full responsibility for the Foundation’s strategic direction and advancement efforts.  

Our culture is grounded in our mission and in the values we live every day. We approach our work with focus, drive, and flexibility—and we know that bringing energy and humor to the process makes us stronger as a team. We respect one another, take pride in our work, and don’t lose sight of the fact that enjoying the journey helps us achieve even greater results. 

The Foundation provides a very robust benefits package, and we expect people to utilize them. Benefits include four weeks of paid vacation, thirteen paid holidays, paid parental leave and 401(K) retirement plan match. Health benefits include extremely generous medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. We encourage and support ongoing professional development. The office is currently operating in a hybrid work mode.

 

Job Title:         Senior Major Gifts Officer

Reports to:       Executive Director of Development

Location:          Portland, Maine

Salary Range:   $85,000 - $100,000 commensurate with experience           

 

Summary: The Senior Major Gifts Officer is a key leadership position on the USM Foundation’s development team and is responsible for cultivating and securing major philanthropic investments to advance the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the University of Southern Maine Foundation.

 

This seasoned frontline fundraiser will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, primarily focusing on securing six- and seven-figure gifts. The Senior Major Gifts Officer will develop thoughtful engagement strategies and work collaboratively with senior foundation and university leaders, faculty, and volunteer champions to align donor interests with institution priorities and opportunities that lead to philanthropic investments.

 

Portfolio Management and Strategy

1. Maintain a portfolio of approximately 75–100 major gift prospects and donors.
2. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with the capacity to make gifts of $100,000 or more.
3. Develop tailored engagement strategies for each prospect, with an emphasis on long-term relationship building.

 

Solicitation and Gift Development

1. Collaborate with Foundation leadership to craft compelling proposals and cases for support tailored to individual donors in support of institutional priorities.
2. Lead major gift discussions and solicitations with donors and prospective donors assigned to portfolio, often involving multi-year commitments and/or blended gifts.
3. Collaborate with development, communications, and university colleagues and to structure and close meaningful proposals.

 

Institutional Collaboration and Volunteer Engagement

1. Work closely with deans, faculty, and program leaders to identify funding opportunities.
2. Work with Foundation board members and Development Committee members to leverage networks and connections.
3. Support Foundation and campaign priorities by providing strategic input on donor cultivation and engagement initiatives.
4. Share insights and best practices with colleagues to support a collaborative culture of philanthropy and shared success.

 

Donor Stewardship and Impact Reporting

1. In partnership with donor relations and stewardship colleagues, ensure that donors receive thoughtful, timely, and personalized stewardship.
2. Track and report on fundraising and portfolio metrics, prospect movement, and anticipated gift revenue.

 

Education/Experience:  Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university; and a minimum of 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, preferably in a higher education setting.; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and other Abilities:

• Proven track record of closing six- and ideally seven-figure gifts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with high emotional intelligence.
• Sophisticated understanding of philanthropic motivations and donor-centered fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write and present complex proposals clearly and persuasively.
• Experience working with high-level institutional leaders and volunteers.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally and work occasional evenings and weekends.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a campaign environment.
• Familiarity with planned giving strategies and structures.
• Deep understanding of wealth indicators and prospect research tools.
• Experience in a campaign environment.

 

The University of Southern Maine Foundation is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

 

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to [email protected].