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Major Gift Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sequoia Hospital

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA

$41.29 - $61.41/hr

Your primary focus will be on attracting gifts in excess of $10,000, or the defined major gift ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

CommonSpirit Health

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$79K - $100K/yr

Your primary focus will be on attracting gifts in excess of $10,000, or the defined major gift ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

Sequoia Hospital

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$41.29 - $61.41/hr

Your primary focus will be on attracting gifts in excess of $10,000, or the defined major gift ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

Sequoia Hospital

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA

$41.29 - $61.41/hr

Your primary focus will be on attracting gifts in excess of $10,000, or the defined major gift ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

NorthEastern

Senior Director Major Gifts

Boston, MA · On-site +1

... at the major gift level. Work closely with the Senior Associate Vice President to create a ... strategic development plan for College and develop and manage a portfolio of prospects ...

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$11K

$74.5K

How much do major gift associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gift associate in the United States is $72,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $74,000.00 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.
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Major Gift Associate jobs near you
Associate Director of Major Gifts

Associate Director of Major Gifts

Darden School of Business

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

*This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.*


The Darden School Foundation at the University of Virginia seeks a highly motivated, results-oriented fundraising professional to join its Advancement team. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement, the Associate Director of Major Gifts serves as a frontline fundraiser responsible for securing philanthropic investments that advance the Darden School's strategic priorities.

This individual will manage a portfolio of approximately 125-150 high-capacity alumni and friends with the potential to make six-and-seven figure major and planned gifts. The successful candidate will develop and execute sophisticated donor engagement strategies, build meaningful long-term relationships, and inspire philanthropic support for scholarships, faculty excellence, thought leadership, innovation initiatives, facilities, and other institutional priorities.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a metrics-driven environment, embraces ambitious fundraising goals, and is energized by the opportunity to make a direct financial impact on one of the world's leading graduate business schools.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 125 major gift prospects and donors with the demonstrated potential to make philanthropic investments of $100,000 or more.
  • Develop and execute strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for each assigned prospect.
  • Secure major gifts, leadership-level unrestricted annual gifts, planned gifts, and blended gift commitments in support of the School's highest priorities.
  • Conduct regular travel and in-person donor visits to build meaningful, long-term philanthropic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the School.
  • Identify opportunities for planned and blended gifts, confidently incorporating gift planning discussions into donor engagement strategies and partnering with University of Virginia Gift Planning colleagues to structure and secure complex charitable commitments.
  • Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, faculty, and volunteer leaders to advance high-priority fundraising opportunities and strengthen the major gift pipeline.
  • Achieve established fundraising, activity, and revenue goals while maintaining accurate prospect strategies and records.

Successful candidates will have a proven track record that includes:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • Minimum of least five years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including successful solicitation and closure of six-figure gifts.
  • Securing and closing major gifts and advancing prospects through successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles.
  • Building productive relationships with high-capacity donors, volunteers, institutional leaders, and colleagues.
  • Developing and executing strategic fundraising plans that drive philanthropic investment.
  • Applying best practices in major gifts, annual giving, and gift planning.
  • Discussing and securing planned, deferred, and blended gifts.
  • Working with complex gift assets, including securities, real estate, and business interests, preferred.
  • Experience in higher education, healthcare, or other sophisticated philanthropic environments, preferred.
  • Communicating effectively through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
  • Exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality with donor information.
  • Managing multiple priorities and achieving goals in a results-driven environment.
  • Collaborating effectively across teams and organizational stakeholders.
  • Using fundraising CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Advance, Raiser's Edge, or similar systems.

Please attach a cover letter and resumé when applying for this position.

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