Job Description

Philanthropy Officer

Muskingum University invites applications for Philanthropy Officer. The Philanthropy Officer identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major and annual gift donors for Muskingum University. The individual will manage a personal portfolio of identified prospects, develop, and implement a plan for major gift fundraising across the country, and will be expected to be engaged in intensive development of the major gift prospect pool through discovery work. The Philanthropy Officer will work with a small team of staff engaged in major gift work as well as the broader Institutional Advancement team and with colleagues throughout the University. This will include utilization of the Plus Delta Partners Donor Engagement Process, and oversight of all aspects of the gift cycle.         

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be an effective contributing member of a small team of staff to secure financial support for the university through solicitation of major gifts as well as personally solicit both major gifts and leadership gifts to the Muskingum Fund.
• Complete 12-15 strategic, productive, meaningful donor contacts per month.
• Assist in the development of the University’s prospect pool through rigorous discovery/qualification work.
• Demonstrate proficiency with the donor database to ensure one’s prospects are appropriately assigned with accurate demographic information, activities and contact reports are documented, donor stages are accurate.
• Develop and propose strategies for solicitation of major gifts, including: determining ongoing relationships with prospect/donor; recommending specific purpose and level of gift; identifying those to be involved in cultivation and subsequent solicitation; assuring that solicitations are carried out and appropriate stewardship occurs.
• Participate in Advancement Division team efforts including solicitation strategy meetings for key prospects and internal planning efforts.
• Promote the University’s fundraising priorities by developing excellent working relationships with faculty, staff, trustees and other volunteers, and the advancement office team.
• See and understand the objectives of the major gifts group as a part of the overall advancement division’s efforts and integrate the major gifts program with those objectives.
• Articulate the case for support and engage alumni and friends in the mission and goals of the University.
• Support volunteer fundraising efforts, particularly as they relate to capital projects, giving days, reunion giving, and other special activities.

The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities necessary to describe the major functions of the position and should not be considered a complete description of the essential functions of the position.  It is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least one year of experience in major gift work. 
• Superior interpersonal skills including exceptional listening, questioning, and intuitive abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, planning, and technical skills
• Self-starter with proven organizational skills needed to manage a portfolio of prospects, plan and execute travel and prospect initiatives, keep major gifts initiatives moving forward on schedule.
• Ability to work with a team and keep supervisors and natural partners well informed while acting independently.
• Adept at relating to people of different ages, temperaments, and backgrounds.
• Experience in a higher education setting and an understanding and commitment to small liberal arts college education.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that will include significant travel (5-10 days a month) and occasional nights and weekends.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must include a letter of interest and a current resume.  If not included, references may be requested.  Application materials should be sent by email to careers@muskingum.eduor faxed to 740-826-6131.  Please include the position title in the subject line of your correspondence.  This position will remain open until filled, with review of applications to begin immediately. 

Muskingum University actively seeks out and welcomes administrators and staff who are committed to excellence in student learning, consider the engagement of diverse communities in the University’s educational programs and activities, and are committed to full inclusivity at the University.  As an equal opportunity employer, Muskingum welcomes applications from individuals from populations, which have been historically underrepresented in higher education and/or have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.

Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities.  Please visit https://www.muskingum.edu/non-discrimination-statementto review the university’s official non-discrimination statement.

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