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Lead Major Gifts Specialist
- University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)
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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
500 University Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14607
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
700814 MAG-Advancement
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URG 114
Compensation Range:
$86,482.00 - $129,723.00
_The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._
Responsibilities:
GENERAL PURPOSE
Plans and implements a coordinated program of fundraising activities. Uses established relationship building skills to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate and institutional/foundation prospects. Establishes and effectively manages relationships with prospects. Designs and implements fundraising plans. Manages special events to involve and cultivate prospects. Collaborates with MAG and UR leadership and staff, and coordinates with other development and alumni relations staff. Identifies and oversees stewardship opportunities for major donors in portfolio.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
+ Collaborates with leadership and advancement teams to develop and execute strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting gifts greater than $100k.
+ Plans and executes events to engage donors and prospects and works closely with MAG staff and volunteers to support fundraising efforts.
+ Manages a portfolio of 125 prospects and donors.
+ Partners with regional University teams to enhance donor engagement and maximize impact.
+ Conducts personal donor visits, maintaining consistent communication with donors and prospects.
+ Utilizes donor management system to record interactions, manage portfolios, and track progress.
+ Meet with prospects, members, volunteers, alumni, and donors, focusing on pipeline development and relationship building.
+ Develops personalized solicitation strategies and works closely with institutional leadership, faculty/staff, and volunteers to ensure the effective cultivation and stewardship of major donors.
+ Serves as a liaison to volunteer groups, overseeing activities, events, and fundraising efforts.
+ Manages the preparation of reports, donor acknowledgments, and gift tracking for these groups.
+ Ensures accurate monitoring of gift accounts and provides regular updates on donor contributions.
+ Oversees the preparation of materials for solicitation letters, invitations, and customized memorial gift acknowledgments.
+ Updates regional and donor engagement strategies to increase the quality and size of the prospect pool.
+ Coordinates activities with other University advancement units, including leadership gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, and community-based programs.
+ Documents donor strategies, interactions, and outcomes in the prospect management database.
+ Participates in ongoing professional development, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising protocols and best practices.
+ Participates in MAG events, some external events, and other key institutional activities to strengthen donor relationships.
Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
+ Bachelor’s degree Required
+ 7 years of relevant experience is required
+ Or a combination of education and experience. Required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
+ Exceptional writing, communication, and interpersonal and relationship-building skills, plus impeccable attention to detail. Preferred
+ Ability to think strategically and analytically and effectively close gifts. Preferred
+ A collaborative, creative team player who is eager to contribute wherever needed. Preferred
+ Highly organized and self-motivated with strong initiative. Preferred
+ Ability to safeguard confidential information. Preferred
+ High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity. Preferred
+ Ability to work occasionally on weekends and evenings. Preferred
+ Background or strong interest in advocating for visual art and culture is preferred.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
Notice: If you are a **Current** **Employee,** please **log into myURHR** to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.
Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.
Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.
If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals
At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.
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