Major Gift Associate Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

About Us

Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon's most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities.

At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC,nearly aquarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources with integrity and purpose.

Recognized as one of Oregon's best non-profits to work for five years in a row, PSU Foundation is a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we fostera strong senseof belonging-empowering every team member to bring bold ideas and their authentic selves to work.

About The Role

The Associate Director of Developmentis responsible formanaging a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with responsibility for advancing philanthropic relationships that result in increased engagement and revenue in support of Portland State University.Theinitialportfoliowill focus heavily on qualifying donors who could make a major gift inthe areas ofeducation, socialservice-relateddisciplines, and the humanities.The Associate Director of Development also works collaboratively to support planning and implementing solicitation strategies for university priorities.

Building on disciplined fundraising experience, this role demonstratesconsistent execution of donor strategy, consistent use of CRM systems, and sound fundraising judgment, with an increased expectation anddemonstratedreadiness tosolicitlarger, more complex gifts. The Associate Director uses data to inform outreach strategies across digital and in person channels to qualify, cultivate,solicit, and steward donors, while collaborating closely with Foundation colleagues and campus partners.

This position regularly workswith PSU stakeholders, faculty, and Foundation colleagues to align fundraisingstrategywith academic initiatives.

Position Overview

• Manages a High-Impact Portfolio: Leads a dynamic portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects, ensuring strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Maintains accountability for achieving individual fundraising goals while fostering trust and collaboration across teams.

• Drives Strategic, Cross-Functional Collaboration: Contributes to complex, cross-organizational initiatives-including annual planning andgoal-setting.

• RepresentsPSUF at Events: Activelyparticipatesin and supports development-related events, serving as a positive ambassador for the university and fostering a sense of community and belonging among stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Measures of Success

• Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics, including, but not limited to, face-to-face visits,submitted/funded proposals, individual and unit fundraising.

• Effective management ofportfolio ofprospects through all phases of the donor cultivation cycle, with special emphasis on cultivating andsolicitinggifts of $25,000 or more.

• Effective relationship management both internally with PSU partners/units and externally with donors/prospects.

MinimumQualifications

• 4+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including proven success in securing gifts of $25K+.

• Bachelor's degree in relevantarea, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

• Technical fluency in fundraising systems and tools.

• Proficiencywith commonly used workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and other cloud-based collaboration and document management tools;demonstratedability toleverageemerging technologies to enhance productivity, accuracy, and overall work quality.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an inclusive,equitable, and respectful environment, collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

• Commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture through active engagement with colleagues, open communication, and alignment with organizational values and culture initiatives.

• Demonstrate reliable, regular, and predictable work attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or for a large complex non-profit organization.

• Demonstrated success fundraising in higher education for a large public institution with complex matrixed environment.

• Working knowledge of CRM or donor database systems (i.e.Blackbaud, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, etc.)

• Working knowledge of Asana or similar project management tools.

• Working knowledge of Portland's donor community.

Compensation & Benefits

Our compensation philosophy reflects our commitment topay equity, transparency,and valuing the contributions of every team member.

• Hiring Range: $66,000 - 75,000 per year

• • Offers aredeterminedbased on a candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications, while ensuring internal pay equity.
    

• 4-Day Workweek:

• • As part of our commitment to wellness and workplace culture,we'vetransitioned to a 4-day workweek-an innovative shift that reflects our values and promotes balance across our team. Business operations are closed on Fridays, supporting work-life balance and recognizing the value of your time.
    

• Top-Tier Benefits:
  We offer one of Oregon's leading nonprofit benefits packages, designed to support the well-being of employees and their families.Full-timeemployeebenefitsinclude:

• • 4 Day Work Week, with business operations closed on Fridays

• • 100% employer-paid medical coverage on our base plan

• • 95% employer-paid dental and vision coverage

• • Up to27 daysof paid time offplus10 paid holidays, including one floating holiday

• • Up to12% employer contributionto eligible 401(k) plans after applicable waiting periods

• • Employer-paidLong-Term DisabilityandLife Insurance

• • Portland State University affiliated employee benefits, including tuition discount

How to Apply

Interested in applying?We invite you tosubmityour application throughourCareers page.

Don'tmeet every requirement?We'dstill like to hear from you!

If you enjoy being part of a collaborative results-driven team and making a difference in our community, we encourage you to apply, even if you believe youdon'tmeetall ofthe requirements listed.Studies have shown that individuals with marginalized identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description. Our priority is finding the best candidate for the role, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. PSU Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.