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Major Gift Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Major Gift Officer

Eugene, OR · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Major Gift Officer (or Campaign Gift Officer) Department: Office of Advancement Supervisor: Keith Potter Status: Full-time, benefit eligible Bushnell University Overview Founded in 1895, Bushnell ...

Major Gift Officer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Major Gift Officer Location: Conventus Location of Job : US:NY:Buffalo Work Type : Full-Time Shift 1 The Foundations of Kaleida Health, which includes The Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation ...

Major Gift Officer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for working with our donors to build relationships and steward them in future giving. This position reports directly to the Director of Development. The Major ...

Major Gift Officer

Jefferson City, MO

$68K - $88K/yr

The Major Gift Officer serves as a frontline fundraising professional responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community ...

Major Gift Officer

Eugene, OR · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Major Gift Officer (or Campaign Gift Officer) Department: Office of Advancement Supervisor: Keith Potter Status: Full-time, benefit eligible Bushnell University Overview Founded in 1895, Bushnell ...

As a Major Gift Officer, you will: * Manage Major & Legacy Donor Portfolios - Oversee a portfolio of major and legacy gift prospects, developing individualized donor strategies that align donor ...

Major Gift Officer

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

As a Major Gift Officer, you will: * Manage Major & Legacy Donor Portfolios - Oversee a portfolio of major and legacy gift prospects, developing individualized donor strategies that align donor ...

POSITION SUMMARY USA Lacrosse is looking to hire a Major Gift Officer to join our team. This individual will provide strategic oversight while building relationships with their assigned major gift ...

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of making philanthropic investments of $15,000 or more in support of Dayton Live ...

Senior Major Gift Officer

Amherst, MA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Senior Major Gift Officer Amherst Campus Full Time JR6844 Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial ...

Senior Major Gift Officer

Amherst, MA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The Senior Major Gift Officer is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $120,000 to $130,000 per year. The salary offered will vary based on a number ...

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Major Gift Officer information

See salary details

$46K

$83.5K

$115K

How much do major gift officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gift officer in the United States is $83,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Major Gift Officer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Major Gift Officer, you need expertise in fundraising strategies, donor relations, and a proven track record in securing significant philanthropic gifts, often backed by a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with donor management software (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce) and prospect research tools is commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and emotional intelligence are crucial for building rapport with high-value donors. These abilities are vital for cultivating and sustaining relationships that result in major contributions to support the organization's mission.

What is a Major Gift Officer job?

A Major Gift Officer (MGO) is a fundraising professional responsible for cultivating relationships with high-net-worth donors to secure significant financial contributions for an organization. They identify, engage, and steward donors, often managing a portfolio of prospects. MGOs develop personalized solicitation strategies, collaborate with leadership and development teams, and ensure donor retention. Their goal is to support the organization's long-term financial sustainability through major gifts.

What does a typical day look like for a Major Gift Officer?

A typical day for a Major Gift Officer involves meeting with prospective and current donors, developing personalized cultivation and stewardship plans, and collaborating with organizational leaders to align fundraising strategies with broader goals. You’ll spend time researching donor prospects, preparing proposals or reports, and entering activities into donor management systems. The role often involves attending events and hosting face-to-face meetings to deepen donor engagement. Major Gift Officers usually work closely with development teams, communications staff, and executive leadership to advance fundraising initiatives. This dynamic environment requires both independent initiative and strong teamwork skills.

More about Major Gift Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Major Gift Officer jobs? Cities with the most Major Gift Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Major Gift Officer jobs? The most popular types of Major Gift Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Major Gift Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Major Gift Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Major Gift Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $83,546 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Major Gift Officer

$72K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description


Position Title: Major Gift Officer (or Campaign Gift Officer)
Department: Office of Advancement
Supervisor: Keith Potter
Status: Full-time, benefit eligible
Bushnell University Overview

Founded in 1895, Bushnell University provides a holistic Christian education, fostering wisdom, faith, and service in its students. In joining the staff here, you will be part of an academic community that seeks to cultivate your faith while you make a difference in the lives of our students. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district, which also includes the University of Oregon. Eugene is a college town small enough to know your neighbors and large enough to offer fantastic arts, entertainment, dining, healthcare, and educational opportunities. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest, being just one hour from the Oregon Coast, one hour from the Cascade Mountains, and less than two hours from Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.
Job Summary
The Major Gift Officer (MGO) advances the mission of the college by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who are inspired to invest in Christ‑centered education. This role manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and leads the institution’s planned and estate giving efforts. The MGO plays a key role in the college’s comprehensive capital campaign, partnering with campus leadership to secure transformational gifts that strengthen the institution’s long‑term impact and sustainability.
Position Duties amp; Responsibilities
Major Gifts Cultivation and Solicitation
  • Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major gift prospects including alumni, parents, friends, churches, and community partners who resonate with the college’s faith‑based mission.
  • Develop individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that integrate donors’ philanthropic goals with the college’s campaign priorities.
  • Conduct regular donor visits to advance relationships and secure major gifts at the $10,000+ level.
  • Serve as a frontline ambassador for the comprehensive campaign, communicating vision, progress, and opportunities for leadership‑level investment.
  • Collaborate with the President, VP for Advancement, and campaign volunteers to support high‑level solicitations and strategic donor engagement.

Planned amp; Estate Giving
  • Lead the college’s planned giving program, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, beneficiary designations, and other deferred giving vehicles.
  • Identify planned giving prospects within the major gift portfolio and broader donor community, including church partners and legacy‑minded supporters.
  • Provide donors with clear, mission‑aligned information about planned giving options (without offering legal or financial advice).
  • Strengthen and grow the Legacy Society stewardship, events, and targeted communication.
  • Coordinate with legal and financial advisors, ensuring planned gifts are structured in alignment with donor intent and institutional policy.

Faith‑Driven Donor Engagement
  • Engage donors in ways that reflect the college’s Christian identity, including prayerful discernment, mission storytelling, and values‑based relationship building.
  • Communicate how gifts advance Christ‑centered education, student formation, and the college’s long‑term ministry impact.
  • Support donor events, church‑based engagement opportunities, and mission‑focused gatherings that deepen community connection.

Stewardship amp; Advancement Operations
  • Ensure timely, meaningful stewardship for all major and planned gifts, including campaign‑specific recognition.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and projections in partnership Donor Relations.
  • Provide regular updates on portfolio activity, campaign progress, and revenue forecasts.

Collaboration amp; Institutional Partnership
  • Work closely with academic leaders, faculty, and ministry partners to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
  • Participate in campaign planning, case development, and volunteer training.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, mission‑centered Advancement team culture.
Experience and Qualification Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
  • 3–5 years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, ministry, or nonprofit development.
  • Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.
  • Familiarity with planned giving concepts and willingness to deepen expertise.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills grounded in Christian character and professionalism.
  • Deep alignment with the college’s Christian mission and values.
  • Ability to communicate faith‑driven impact with authenticity and clarity.
  • Strategic thinker comfortable working in a small‑team environment and within a campaign structure.
  • High level of discretion, integrity, and donor‑centered judgment.
  • Collaborative, adaptable, and energized by building long‑term relationships.

Knowledge of / Experience with
  • Facility with fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred)
  • Experience with Outlook, Microsoft Suite, and Basic AI Tools

Working Conditions/Special Requirements
  • Bushnell employees must have a maturing Christian faith and live in compliance with the duties and expectations as detailed in the Employee Handbook.
  • The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
  • The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug free environment.
  • The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
  • All employees of Bushnell are “mandatory reporters” under Oregon law. See http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/abuse/pages/mandatory_report.aspx for specific information.
  • The employee must have knowledge of strong office management techniques; operations, procedures, specific rules and precedents of the office; research methods and report writing techniques; record-keeping techniques; operation of office machines including computer equipment and specified software; principles of training and providing work direction.
  • The position requires a strong ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, utilizing tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Listening skills and the ability to speak and write clearly are essential to this position. Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy.
  • This person must project a positive, vibrant and professional attitude in assisting people.
  • This person must have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality, with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff and business of the department and the University.
  • This position may require lifting up to 25 lbs, as well as bending, stooping, kneeling.
  • This position description is subject to change at any time.
  • Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings or weekends.

Application Instructions
Bushnell employees are expected to abide by the Theological Context for Bushnell Community Life. Please read this document (see link below) before continuing.
To be considered for this position, please click “Apply” below. You will be asked to submit all of the following:
  • Bushnell Employment Application
  • Cover letter addressing skills, experience, and knowledge
  • CV/Resume
  • Personal Statement of Faith that clearly addresses all three of the sections below:
    • Section 1: how a maturing Christian faith finds expression in the candidate’s personal life, family life, community life, and current church membership;
    • Section 2: how the candidate integrates faith into his or her work life; and
    • Section 3: the candidate’s understanding of and ability to support Bushnell’s Theological Context for Community statement.
  • Contact Information for three references, one of which must be the applicant’s pastor or another appropriate church leader who is able to address the applicant’s faith background.

*Please include all requested materials. Incomplete application packets may result in disqualification.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Mark Cameron at 541-684-7215 or mcameron@bushnell.edu.
In compliance with the Clery Act, Bushnell University provides our Annual Security Report amp; Fire Safety Report. You may request a paper copy from the Office of Student Life by calling 541-684-7345. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the university.
Creation Date: 4/2026