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Major Gift Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Major Gift Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Contact Academic Affairs at: aafacultyemployment@odu.edu Major Gift Officer Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review ...

Major Gift Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Posting Details Posting Details Job Title Major Gift Officer Department OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT-C/W Position Number FP390A Location Norfolk, VA Job Summary Primary objective is to develop and cultivate ...

Major Gift Officer - Full Time

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

We are looking for a Major Gift Officer who can help us engage the local community to facilitate our vision of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all. Some rewards for ...

Major Gift Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

As a Major Gift Officer, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and donor prospects capable of making commitments in the assigned region for all ministries and programs of Buckner ...

Major Gift Officer

Weston, MA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The Rivers School is seeking a full-time Major Gift Officer who will be responsible for developing strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward long-term relationships with key ...

Senior Major Gift Officer

Amherst, VA · 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 ...

Major Gift Officer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

As a Major Gift Officer, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and donor prospects capable of making commitments in the assigned region for all ministries and programs of Buckner ...

Major Gift Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

As a Major Gift Officer, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and donor prospects capable of making commitments in the assigned region for all ministries and programs of Buckner ...

Major Gift Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

Houston, TX - Hybrid Address: 8600 Sweetwater Lane, Houston, TX 77037 Job Schedule : Full-Time We are seeking a Major Gift Officer tojoin our development teamAs a Major Gift Officer, qualifies ...

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 ...

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 ...

Major Gift Officer

Sparks, MD · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Major Gift Officer

Weston, MA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The Rivers School is seeking a full-time Major Gift Officer who will be responsible for developing strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward long-term relationships with key ...

Major Gift Officer

Spring Arbor, MI

$65K - $85K/yr

Major Gift Officer SUMMARY The major gift officer designs, develops and implements a strategy to cultivate a relationship with major donors, planned giving donors and prospects to further the mission ...

New

Albany Law School invites applications for a strategic and relationship-driven Major Gift Officer to help advance the Law School's mission through transformational philanthropy. This position will ...

Showing results 21-40

Major Gift Officer information

See salary details

$46K

$83.5K

$115K

How much do major gift officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 is a major gift officer?

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 major gift officer do?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a major gift officer?

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.

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.
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Infographic showing various Major Gift Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,546 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Major Gift Officer

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Old Dominion University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

$69K - $90K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Old Dominion University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

  • Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty Applicants:
  • Contact Human Resources at:
    (757) 683-3042
    HRRecruitment@odu.edu
  • Teaching and Research Faculty Applicants:
  • Contact Academic Affairs at:
    aafacultyemployment@odu.edu
Major Gift Officer

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Primary objective is to develop and cultivate long‑term philanthropic relationships with alumni, donors and prospects. Responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of private gifts of $25,000 or more in support of advancing the University’s mission. Manages major gift fundraising initiatives with respective college dean and faculty, gift officers/development staff, and volunteer leaders to meet funding priorities and maximize philanthropic support for the University.

Position Type

Position Type FullTime

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment General Public

Minimum Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively build and cultivate donor relationships and secure gifts at $25,000 and above.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Strategic self‑starter and results driven with a collaborative and team‑oriented approach.
  • Knowledge of development principles, fundraising techniques and ethics.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Effective problem‑solver.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and ability to manage change and withstand pressure.
  • Demonstrates initiative, creativity and resourcefulness.
  • Ability to travel and work nights and weekends required.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with experience and/or training that equates to a Master’s degree.
  • Considerable experience in fundraising, including individual solicitation as a development or major gift officer; or equivalent experience in comparable sales/marketing/client relations will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications

None

Conditions of Employment

Job Open Date 07/27/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Criminal Background Check

Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward‑focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.

Required Documents
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  • Contact Information for Professional References
Optional Documents Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

If you have questions: Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty applicants, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (757) 683-3042 or Jobsearch@odu.edu . Teaching and Research Faculty applicants, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at aafacultyemployment@odu.edu .

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