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Posting Details

Job Title Major Gift Officer

Department OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT-C/W

Position Number FP313A

Location Norfolk, VA

Job Summary

The Major Gift Officer will be responsible for major gift fundraising and will develop an actionable strategic plan for Development that will strengthen existing relationships, cultivate new donors and partners, and deeply engage the Hampton Roads and ODU alumni communities. This leader will build on the momentum of the recent fundraising opportunities for donor support and increase funding for expanded programs, endowments, and scholarships. They will function as part of the MGO team in the Development office to continue growing alumni engagement and donor stewardship programs to support a sustainable donor pipeline. This person must be driven by the University’s mission and have demonstrated experience in working collaboratively in a complex institution. It will be critical for the MGO to establish close working partnerships with the Development team, the Dean and Directors of programs, other senior leaders in the institution and College, and community leaders. Additionally, they must be politically savvy, possess exceptional communication and listening skills, and have prior experience working closely with Boards. The MGO will directly cultivate and solicit donors while providing strategic management and business leadership for the Office of Development. The MGO must possess working knowledge in the areas of major and principal giving, annual giving, planned giving, and capital campaigns. This position sets clear expectations for revenue generation and accountability through established metrics, will be responsible for establishing philanthropic relationships with board members and corporate partners, and will have close working relationships with faculty. The MGO will report to the Assistant Vice President of Development.

Position Type FullTime

Type of Recruitment General Public

Minimum Qualifications

+ Master’s degree in a related field; or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with equivalent experience to a Master’s degree.

+ Working knowledge of major and principal giving, annual giving, planned giving, and capital campaigns.

+ Working knowledge of developing and implementing fundraising strategies. Working knowledge of cultivation and solicitation process in securing major gifts.

+ Successful track record in securing gifts of $25,000 or more.

+ Exceptional organization, communication, listening, and diplomacy skills in working with Board members and major gift prospects.

+ Ability to draft high-quality solicitation proposals and letters.

+ Significant years of experience working as a major gifts or development officer; or considerable corporate sales or marketing experience.

+ Some prior experience working closely with Boards. Some experience working in a Higher Education environment or non-profit organization in a fund-raising position.

+ Sales or marketing experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Conditions of Employment

Job Open Date 03/24/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

Application Review Date 04/07/2025

Job Close Date

Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity at (757) 683-3141.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

ODU Statement

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute 2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).