Career Center

The Major Gifts Officer will report directly to the Director of Institutional Advancement and is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts ($100,000+) and Annual Fund leadership gifts ($10,000-$50,000). They will also collaborate closely with other Major Gift Officers and other teams. The MGO will work with prospective donors to determine their philanthropic interests related to the School’s fundraising goals through the Annual Fund, Endowment, Capital, and Planned Giving Programs. This role is expected to travel locally and long-distance at least 50% of the time. The MGO is expected to serve as an integral team player within the Alumni and Development office and with the Director of Development and Director of Institutional Advancement.

Major Functions and Responsibilities:

• Advocate for the direction of the School and its leadership.
• Manage a personal portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects, which may include current parents, alumni, parents of alumni and grandparents.
• Craft proposals, talking points, contact reports and cultivation/stewardship correspondence as needed and in partnership with the Director of Institutional Advancement.
• Plan and execute a target of 120+ prospect visits per year.
• Prepare and submit goals that contain specific timelines, projected results, and outcomes.
• Assist in the identification of annual giving leadership prospects in partnership with annual giving and alumni relations.

Experience and Skills:

• Alignment with and an ability to articulate the mission and values of The Thacher School, the School’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and its current direction of strengthening the school culture.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication and database skills.
• Experience in successfully cultivating and securing major gifts is required and experience with planned gifts is preferred.
• A proven record of accomplishment in solicitations and cultivation of prospective donors, or comparable experience in sales and client development.
• Knowledge of educational fundraising culture is an asset and experience with secondary or higher education and moves management is preferred.
• Impressive track record in fundraising.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with senior administrators and faculty on a collegial basis.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Significant travel is required.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or an equivalent CRM.
• Trust, accountability, discretion, honesty, and a team player