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Major Gift Associate Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

General Nutrition Centers

Sales Associate - PT

Warwick, RI · 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 ...

General Nutrition Centers

Sales Associate - PT

Cranston, RI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Brown University

Seasonal Sales Associate

Providence, RI · On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

Major focus will also be assisting in stocking and merchandising sales floor, keeping area neat and ... Help customers locate books or merchandise in stock and/or help with gift/clothing selections when ...

All JobsMajor Gift Associate JobsMajor Gift Associate Jobs in Rhode Island

Major Gift Associate information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10.8K

$73K

How much do major gift associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gift associate in Rhode Island is $70,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as a major gift officer?

To become a major gift officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fields, along with experience in development or sales. Strong communication, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of fundraising software are essential. Gaining certifications like the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) can enhance prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Major Gift Associate, and why are they important?

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.

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.

How much should a major gift officer raise?

A major gift officer is typically responsible for securing gifts ranging from $10,000 to several million dollars, depending on the organization. The amount raised varies based on the organization's size, fundraising goals, and the officer's experience and network. Successful officers often focus on building relationships and leveraging donor prospects to meet or exceed annual fundraising targets.

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 does a major gifts officer do?

A major gifts officer is responsible for cultivating and soliciting large donations from individual donors to support an organization’s fundraising goals. They identify potential donors, build relationships, and develop personalized giving strategies, often using donor management software. Strong communication, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of fundraising principles are essential in this role.

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 does a major gifts officer make?

A major gifts officer typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, organization size, and location. They often receive additional compensation through bonuses or commissions based on fundraising success and may require skills in relationship management and donor engagement.
What job categories do people searching Major Gift Associate jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Major Gift Associate jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Major Gift Associate jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Major Gift Associate job openings:
Major Gift Associate jobs near you

Sr. Director of Development, CELS & GSO

University Of Rhode Islan

Kingston, RI • On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Director of Development, College of the Environment and Life Sciences & the Graduate School of Oceanography

Department: Development

Reports to: Jeff Simon, Associate Vice President for Unit Development

Location: Kingston, RI

Employment Type: Exempt, Full-Time


Position Summary

The University of Rhode Island Foundation (URIF) seeks an experienced, strategic, and entrepreneurial fundraising leader to serve as Senior Director of Development for the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS). This position provides leadership for a comprehensive major and principal gifts program, advances college and university fundraising priorities, and serves as the senior philanthropic partner for the Dean of CELS and advisor to the Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) at the Narragansett Bay Campus.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Unit Development, the Senior Director of Development leads, plans, and executes a comprehensive fundraising program for CELS. The Senior Director manages a portfolio of approximately 125+ major and principal gift prospects and donors, primarily focused on individuals with the capacity to make gifts of $100,000 or more. The position works closely with the Dean, Foundation leadership, faculty, advisory council members, and development colleagues to secure transformational philanthropic support for student success, faculty excellence, research, innovation, experiential learning, and capital priorities. The Senior Director also provides leadership, mentoring, and strategic direction for development staff assigned to CELS and GSO and plays a key role in university-wide campaign initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Major Gift Development

  • Serve as the senior development leader for CELS and provide strategic leadership for a comprehensive, donor-centered fundraising program aligned with College and University priorities.
  • Collaborate with the Dean to identify, articulate, and advance philanthropic priorities; establish annual and long-term fundraising goals; and foster a culture of philanthropy among alumni, faculty, students, and external partners.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of 125+ major and principal gift prospects and donors.
  • Personally solicit and close major and principal gifts, including annual, major, planned, capital, and endowment commitments.
  • Develop solicitation and closure strategies aligned with College priorities, University campaign objectives, and Foundation fundraising goals.
  • Partner with the Gift Planning Office to develop strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned gift donors.
  • Partner with Principal Gifts leadership to identify and advance high-capacity prospects capable of transformational philanthropic investments.
  • Review, analyze, and expand prospect pools to ensure an effective pipeline of major and principal gift opportunities.
  • Advise the Dean on prospect management issues, fundraising opportunities, and strategies that enhance the College’s philanthropic success.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Lead, mentor, and coach development staff assigned to CELS and GSO, ensuring achievement of performance expectations, professional development, and alignment with Foundation fundraising standards. Provide direct supervision for development staff supporting the GSO.
  • Provide strategic leadership and support for the Dean’s Advisory Council, including member recruitment, onboarding, engagement, fundraising participation, and stewardship.
  • Prepare and oversee proposals, briefing materials, stewardship reports, and engagement strategies for senior university leaders, volunteers, and board members.
  • Coordinate donor engagement activities involving the Dean and other academic leaders, including visit planning, follow-up, and stewardship.
  • Represent CELS and URIF at internal and external events and participate in signature university events that create opportunities for strategic donor engagement.

CELS/GSO Stewardship & Operations

  • Coordinate prospect strategies with Foundation leadership, principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, annual giving, donor relations, alumni engagement, communications, and gift planning staff.
  • Partner with Donor Relations to ensure exemplary stewardship of named funds, endowments, and current-use gifts.
  • Respond proactively to emerging fundraising opportunities and contribute to Foundation-wide initiatives, campaign planning, and cross-unit collaborations.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, proposals, and outcomes within the Foundation’s prospect management system.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex nonprofit environment.
  • Demonstrated success in securing major gifts of $100,000+ and experience managing principal gift prospects.
  • Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, initiative, sound judgment, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a complex and collaborative environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills are required.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, build relationships with high-level donors and volunteers, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
  • Some travel and evening/weekend work required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM/prospect management systems, and web-based applications required.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Experience leading staff, campaign initiatives, advisory boards, or fundraising teams strongly preferred.

Salary: $130,000 to $140,000 commensurate with experience.


Join the URI Foundation team!

We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and unparalleled retirement savings programs. Join our team of talented, mission-driven advancement professionals!

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by law.