Philanthropy Officer - Major Gifts bei Frontier Nursing University

Job Summary:  

This position is responsible for creating a climate conducive to major gifts fundraising by developing, identifying, soliciting, and securing gifts of $25,000 or more for Frontier Nursing University’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Officer – Major Gifts will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and successfully stewarding qualified prospects and donors. The Officer will proactively collaborate and meet regularly with administrators, faculty, and staff to understand major priorities and goals, and to provide timely information on donor cultivation.  

Supervisor Responsibility: 

This position has no supervisory responsibility. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Identify and qualify major gift prospects who can give $25,000 or more. 
• Develop a tailored cultivation and solicitation plan for each donor in the Officer’s portfolio.
• Manage a portfolio of 75+ prospects to raise funds for FNU institutional priorities. Contacts, Visit, Solicitation, Dollars Received and other metrics to be set annually. 
• Maintain and review the Officer’s major gift prospect portfolio at regular meetings with the Senior Director of Philanthropy. 
• Coordinates and maintains positive relationships with all FNU employees to maximize donor relationships and philanthropic giving.
• Solicit and close major gifts, securing financial support for FNU’s key priorities, including scholarships, faculty development, capital campaigns, and general operating needs.
• Engage with high-net-worth individuals, alumni, and community leaders to foster long-term relationships with FNU.
• Frequent travel is required for face-to-face meetings to achieve a goal of 100+ meetings per year. 
• Work with supervisors, administrators, faculty, and staff to devise specific strategies and timetables for the successful solicitation of individuals, including the use of planned giving vehicles: gift annuities, trusts, and bequests to ensure the best use of time, budget, and personnel.

• Develop and write proposals and correspondence to prospective donors.
• Utilize Frontier’s donor management CRM and screening mechanisms to research prospects in preparation for cultivation. 
• Maintain accurate and timely records/contact reports of all interaction with donors utilizing fundraising software.
• Steward donors by providing information about the impact of their donations; happenings at the University in their areas of interest; and major changes within the University as a whole.
• Inform departments while moving prospects through the major gift lifecycle.
• Represent the Advancement Office at high-profile events including conference receptions for alumni and friends, events on campus, and networking events held locally, regionally, and nationally. 
• Actively participate in and work Advancement-related events as required.
• Provide service to the University through activities such as involvement in FNU shared governance (e.g. committees, workgroups), FNU sponsored activities (e.g. charity drives, community-outreach activities), and/or service to the profession (e.g. presentations, professional organization committee work). 
• Adhere to the elements of the Culture of Caring
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the willingness and ability to present to groups.
• Superb judgment and the sensibility to judge wisely among competing priorities.
• The ability to work without close supervision and to make appropriate independent decisions concurrent with University policy.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills, including an ability to translate ideas and concepts into clear, actionable steps.
• Superb organizational skills and the ability to multitask
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.

• Excellent computer skills including Google applications and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with DonorPerfect or other comparable donor CRM system preferred.
• Extensive travel, nights and weekends required

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s preferred (+3 year's experience with masters)
• 5 years of related work experience in a non-profit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity preferred.

Physical Requirements: 

Sit at a desk for lengthy periods of time.  

Ability to lift 35 lbs. 

Ability to travel by vehicle or airplane for visits. 

Reporting Relationship: 

Reports directly to the Senior Director of Philanthropy. 

Work Location: 

Hybrid (remote and onsite) available after the initial 30 days of orientation, with identified onsite days required weekly in Versailles, KY.