Job Details

Major Gift Officer

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R10779

Please Note: This recruitment is being managed by Boyden Executive Search Firm

The Major Gift Officer position at Simmons University is being managed in partnership with Boyden Executive Search Firm. We encourage all interested candidates to reach out directly to the search firm representatives for more information or to address any questions regarding the role or the application process.

For inquiries, please contact:

Beth Parsons

Principal

bparsons@boyden.com

www.boyden.com

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston's only women's undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You're joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You'll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) will partner with the University Advancement (UA) team, faculty and staff to enhance the culture of philanthropy with alumnae/i at Simmons University through the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors. The MGO will partner closely with university leaders, faculty, and Advancement colleagues to cultivate donor relationships, engage more alumnae/i, and increase overall financial support at this critical time in the University's history.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Manage a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects and donors, meeting expectations for annually articulated solicitation and revenue goals.
  
• Effectively and efficiently move prospects through the donor pipeline to successfully close major gifts.
  
• Create opportunities to conduct a minimum of 120 substantive interactions annually, involving institutional leadership, faculty, and high-level volunteers, when appropriate, to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
  
• Partner with colleagues across UA to create comprehensive solicitation strategies that support mutually shared goals and lead to the identification of new major gift prospects.
  
• Collaborate with Donor Relations colleagues to ensure that managed donors are receiving appropriate levels of stewardship and engagement, and to prepare gift agreements.
  
• Work with Advancement Communications to develop compelling proposals.
  
• Develop and articulate a deep knowledge of Simmons University's culture and history, its fundraising priorities, academic, extra-curricular, and athletic programs.
  

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BS degree required, with at least 3-5 years of frontline leadership or major gift experience.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a proven track record of successful portfolio management and major gift closures.
  
• An intermediate command of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
  
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a values-driven organization.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with and proficiency in donor database software,
  
• Knowledge of fundraising, prospect management, and donor or customer relationship management.
  
• Experience soliciting gifts of $250 or more.
  
• Experience with NXT or similar CRM.
  
• Experience with Gratavid, ThankView, or other video platforms.
  

COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving
  
• Strategic
  
• Customer Service Oriented
  
• Communication (Written, Verbal, Presentation)
  
• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence and Social Justice
  
• Teamwork
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days in the office; the option to work remotely 2 days/week can be explored after 90 days.
  
• 40 hours/week
  
• Office environment
  
• Some travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work
  

Salary Grade
S10

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Major-Gift-Officer_R10779

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons University is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.