Major Gift Officer
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Job no: 494636
Work type: Administrative (Full Time)
Location: Marion, IN
Categories: Administrative/Professional
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Job Title: Major Gift Officer
Reporting Relationship: Director of Development
Unit: Central Administration
Department: University Advancement - Central Administration
Campus Location: Alumni House, Marion, IN
Summary of Position: The Major Gift Officer is at the forefront of advancing the mission to build and steward lifelong relationships that foster transformational and sustainable impact. The Major Gift Officer will discover prospects, cultivate relationships, and invite and secure financial gifts. NOTE: Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references to search@gonsergerber.com.
Duties and Responsibilities
Build Relationships
Engage a portfolio of 70-90 major gift prospects for the purpose of inviting and securing major gifts
Build meaningful relationships with prospects and donors in the portfolio
Impact a culture of giving for IWU, encouraging prospects and donors to support the university’s mission and vision while fostering a sense of pride and ownership spotlighting the transformative impact of their gifts
Orchestrate meaning connection of prospects and donors with IWU presidents, administrators, faculty, coaches, staff, and students
Strategic Fundraising
Personally present written proposals for major gifts
Develop and implement personalized stewardship plans for donors
Provide accurate information of all prospects and donor activity in Slate including contact reports, gift commitments, strategy statements, and other documentation
Develop and incorporate estate planning resources to assist in identifying and garnering planned gift commitments
Collaborative Teamwork and Creative Engagement
Regularly meet with leadership to collaborate and strategize
Routinely meet with key IWU administrators, faculty, coaches and staff to build relationships, gain insights, and establish partnerships that help advance University Advancement’s strategies
Participate regularly and broadly in university and University Advancement events to understand the breadth and depth of an IWU education
High-Impact Hospitality and Character
Serve as an IWU ambassador with a high level of integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality
Maintain a positive image when dealing with constituents and the university community; demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with the values and ethos of IWU
Exhibit IWU and University Advancement’s values of Christlikeness, commitment, leadership, service, stewardship, innovation and diversity
Foster a collaborative and inclusive spirit among subordinates, peers, and superiors within University Advancement and across the IWU community
Complete other tasks as assigned
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Education
Bachelor's degree; an earned master's degree desired
Experience
Possess three (3) years’ experience developing and securing five figures and above
Required Skills
Demonstrate competence and productivity in developing relationships that yield major gifts
Demonstrate an understanding of the features of various planned giving methods and their benefit to different types of donors
Demonstrate exceptional writing, interpersonal and public speaking skills
The successful candidate is expected to have their primary office based out of the IWU campus in Marion, IN. They must be capable of traveling up to 50% of time, working nights and weekends as needed, to fulfill portfolio and management responsibilities and participate in major and planned gift related events
Exhibit a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ, embrace and articulate the mission of IWU and be in harmony with the doctrines and practices of The Wesleyan Church.
Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to Gonser Gerber Search at search@gonsergerber.com. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted until later in the search process
IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Advertised: 26 Aug 2025 US Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 05 Oct 2025 US Eastern Daylight Time
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