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Major Gift Associate Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Director of Major Giving

New Haven, CT · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Supervise and guide the Major Gift team, two Major Gift Managers and the Development Associate ensuring that organizational major donor and team goals are achieved. Set performance goals, build team ...

Sales Associate - PT

Hamden, CT · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

We believe that good health is the greatest gift, and there's nothing more rewarding than helping ... Work all major U.S. holidays that the store is open. Sales Associated must be at least 18 years of ...

Sales Associate - PT

Farmington, CT · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

We believe that good health is the greatest gift, and there's nothing more rewarding than helping ... Work all major U.S. holidays that the store is open. Sales Associated must be at least 18 years of ...

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Major Gift Associate information

See Connecticut salary details

$10.5K

$70.9K

How much do major gift associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gift associate in Connecticut is $68,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $70,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a major gift associate do?

A Major Gift Associate is responsible for supporting an organization’s fundraising efforts by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with major donors. They work alongside development teams to manage donor portfolios, coordinate meetings and events, and assist in preparing proposals and reports. Their role is crucial in helping secure significant financial contributions that support the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a major gift associate?

To thrive as a Major Gift Associate, you need experience in fundraising, donor relations, and research, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management or communications. Familiarity with donor management systems like Raiser’s Edge and proficiency in CRM databases are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking help build lasting relationships with major donors. These skills are crucial for securing large gifts and advancing the mission and financial sustainability of the organization.

How does a major gift associate typically collaborate with other fundraising team members to achieve donation goals?

A Major Gift Associate works closely with other members of the development team, such as major gift officers, annual giving coordinators, and donor relations staff. They often assist in researching prospective donors, preparing briefing materials, and coordinating donor meetings or events. Collaboration is key, as the associate ensures that communication and stewardship efforts are aligned and that donor data is accurately tracked and shared. Regular team meetings and joint strategy sessions help keep everyone focused on shared fundraising targets and donor engagement priorities.

What is the difference between Major Gift Associate vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectMajor Gift AssociateFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in nonprofit, communications, or related fields; experience in donor relationsBachelor's degree; experience in fundraising or event planning beneficial
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, development offices, fundraising teamsNonprofits, charities, event organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofit development departments focusing on major donorsCommon in fundraising and development roles across nonprofits
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in donor engagement and fundraising activities

The Major Gift Associate primarily focuses on cultivating relationships with major donors and securing large gifts, often requiring experience in donor relations. The Fundraising Coordinator handles a broader range of fundraising activities, including events and campaigns, with less emphasis on major donors. Both roles are essential in nonprofit development but differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Major Gift Associate jobs in Connecticut?

For Major Gift Associate jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Major Gift Associate jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Major Gift Associate jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Major Gift Associate jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Major Gift Associate job openings:

Assistant/Associate Director of Major Gifts

Trinity College

Hartford, CT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Trinity College's Advancement Office seeks a talented, highly motivated, client oriented, team player and experienced front-line fundraiser for the opportunity of Assistant/Associate Director of Major Gifts. The Major Gift Officer will be responsible for the active management of major gift prospects as assigned.  Individuals in the Associate Director of Leadership Giving's portfolio of approximately 150 prospects will have the capacity to make gifts of $100,000 or more. The Major Gift Officer is responsible for moving prospects through the donor engagement process: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, and closing comprehensive gifts for Trinity College. The ability and interest in willing to travel regularly and have the ability and personality to relate comfortably to a sophisticated and diverse alumni and parent constituency is essential. 

Trinity is a highly selective, independent, nonsectarian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Hartford, Connecticut. The college maintains a rigorous academic profile complemented by a vibrant co-curricular program.  With more than 2,100 full-time undergraduate students, representing forty-three states and ninety-one countries, we consider our location in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse capital city to be among Trinity's most distinctive assets; and we cultivate strong connections with our surrounding neighbors and with institutions and organizations throughout Hartford and the region. As a preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives.
  • A bachelor's degree is required.
  • Three or more years of successful leadership-level fundraising or comparable experience, preferably in education.
  • Proven success in cultivation, soliciting and closing leadership-level gifts.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, coupled with a genuine ability to engage effectively with a broad range of constituents.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to create and implement prospect strategies and collaborate with campus partners.
  • Willingness and ability to spend approximately 40% of time on frontline meetings through local meetings, travel, and virtual platforms such as Zoom.
  • Self-driven, highly organized, flexible, and able to successfully manage multiple priorities.

  • Team player with a strong sense of integrity and work ethic.

  • Demonstrates empathy and actively values and fosters behaviors that support a diverse college community.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and comfort learning new software systems.

  • Ability to travel within the United States independently, including a valid driver's license, required. 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Evidence of a commitment to a liberal arts education and mission through professional or volunteer experience.

  • Familiarity with fundraising principles and experience in a higher education or academic setting.

  • Gift Planning knowledge and experience.

  • Experience working in a CRM or advancement database (e.g., Slate/Technolutions, Blackbaud, or similar system).
  • Plus Delta Discipline of Frontline Fundraising training preferred.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Trinity College's mission and programs and/or experience in a comparable college setting. 
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Trinity alumni, parents, and friends as assigned who are capable of making major gift commitments to the College. These gifts may include restricted/capital gifts, gifts to Annual Giving purposes, and planned gifts.
  • Work closely with colleagues across the campus to set donor strategy with a focus on soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 and above.
  • Develop and grow relationships with major gift prospects through phone, email, video call, and face-to-face meetings.
  • Collaborate with colleagues on key reunion classes, campaign and special initiatives, and annual giving.
  • Assist in obtaining hosts, staffing, and executing advancement events, both on and off
  • campus.
  • Complete all assigned reporting including travel plans, itineraries, contact reports,
  • expense reports and monthly status reports in a timely manner
  • Write donor proposals, presidential briefings, and gift documentation with precision and in a timely fashion.
  • Remain informed about the mission of the College, including its history, academic programs, current activities, and policies.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need.