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Major Gifts Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Major Gifts Officer

Newtown Square, PA · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director of Advancement, Major Gifts, you will manage your work with significant autonomy while collaborating closely across the Advancement team. This role is ideal for a ...

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$41.29 - $61.41/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Manager Major Gifts, you will serve as a key member of the ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA

$79K - $100K/yr

One California As our Manager Major Gifts, you will serve as a key member of the Foundation ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

Manager Major Gifts

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$41.29 - $61.41/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Manager Major Gifts, you will serve as a key ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

Major Gifts Officer

Newtown Square, PA · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director of Advancement, Major Gifts, you will manage your work with significant autonomy while collaborating closely across the Advancement team. This role is ideal for a ...

Major Gifts Officer

Newtown Square, PA · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director of Advancement, Major Gifts, you will manage your work with significant autonomy while collaborating closely across the Advancement team. This role is ideal for a ...

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Manager Major Gifts, you will serve as a key member of the ... Keeping the organization's mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making ...

The Associate Director, Major Gifts (ADMG) will qualify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects ($250K-$1M+) in a designated geographic region. Operating within the One Northeastern model, the ...

Showing results 21-40

Major Gifts Associate information

See salary details

$11K

$74.5K

How much do major gifts associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gifts 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.

What is a major gifts associate?

Major Gifts Associates are fundraising professionals who support nonprofit organizations by identifying, cultivating, and managing relationships with donors capable of making significant financial contributions, often referred to as 'major gifts.' They work closely with development teams to implement fundraising strategies, coordinate donor engagement activities, and track progress toward fundraising goals. Their responsibilities may include donor research, event planning, communications, and supporting stewardship efforts to ensure donors feel valued and connected to the organization's mission.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a major gifts associate?

To thrive as a Major Gifts Associate, you need experience in fundraising, donor relations, and prospect research, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with donor management databases like Raiser’s Edge and proficiency in CRM systems are typically essential. Strong interpersonal communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills help you connect with donors and manage multiple priorities effectively. These skills are vital for cultivating and stewarding major donor relationships, which directly impact an organization’s fundraising success.

How does a major gifts associate collaborate with other departments within a nonprofit organization?

A Major Gifts Associate often works closely with development, communications, and program teams to ensure alignment on fundraising strategies and donor engagement. Collaborating with these departments helps create compelling proposals, coordinate donor events, and communicate the nonprofit’s impact to major donors. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for cultivating relationships and achieving fundraising goals, making strong communication and project management skills valuable in this role.

What is the difference between Major Gifts Associate vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectMajor Gifts AssociateFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in donor relationsBachelor's degree, general fundraising experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, development officesNonprofits, event planning, outreach teams
Employer & Industry UsageFundraising, development departmentsFundraising, nonprofit support roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Major Gifts Associate focuses on cultivating relationships with high-level donors to secure large donations, often working closely with senior staff. The Fundraising Coordinator handles broader fundraising activities, including event planning and outreach efforts. While both roles support nonprofit fundraising, the Major Gifts Associate specializes in major gift cultivation, making it a more targeted position within development teams.

What cities are hiring for Major Gifts Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Major Gifts Associate job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Major Gifts jobs?

The most popular types of Major Gifts jobs are:

What states have the most Major Gifts Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Major Gifts Associate jobs include:

Associate Director, Major Gifts

University of Pennsylvania

Tower, MN • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate Director, Major Gifts

Job Profile Title

Major Gifts Officer

Job Description Summary

Based in Philadelphia and reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Major Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer will manage their own portfolio of major gift prospects and donors. The person in this position will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more to University priorities. They will also devise, often in collaboration with other University colleagues, fundraising strategies and regional cultivation/stewardship events and programs for their prospect pool.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage a prospect pipeline of approximately 200 names. This includes developing and executing thoughtful strategy for each assigned prospect with an emphasis on cultivating and soliciting alumni prospects in the assigned region with an emphasis on commitments of $100,000 or more as well as providing individualized and strategic stewardship for existing donors.

  • Develop and maintain knowledge base about the educational, research, and priority funding needs of across the university.

  • Recruit, manage and motivate fundraising volunteers.

  • Design and implement cultivation special events for individuals and groups.

  • Identify and qualify new prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000 or more.

  • Write proposals and other materials such as briefing memos for events, talking points, invitations.

  • Work in collaboration with the development and alumni relations community on overall development needs and priorities. Provide staffing of other university members at meetings and events.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

**Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of the application prior to submitting.**

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of successful fund-raising experience, preferably in higher education, including direct solicitation of five and six figure gifts from individuals or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Familiarity with Penn and/or solid understanding of a major research university environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to work independently, but collaboratively, in goal-oriented team environment.
  • Must be willing to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed (valid driver's license required)

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Development and Alumni Relations

Pay Range

$77,330.00 - $105,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefitsto protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

  • Retirement:Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

  • Time Away from Work:Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance:In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

  • Professional and Personal Development:Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

  • University Resources:As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

  • Flexible Work Hours:Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay


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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740