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Major Gifts Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Pennsylvania

$64K - $83K/yr

Posted Job Title Major Gifts Officer / Sr. Major Gifts Officer, Penn Nursing Development Job Profile Title Major Gifts Officer Summary The Associate Director/ Sr. Associate Director, Major Gifts ...

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Major Gifts Associate information

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$11K

$74.5K

How much do major gifts associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 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 are considered major gifts?

In the context of a Major Gifts Associate, major gifts refer to large financial contributions made by donors to an organization, typically exceeding a set threshold that varies by organization. These gifts often require personalized cultivation and stewardship, and the associate may use donor management tools to track and solicit such contributions.

What are Major Gifts Associates?

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

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.

What does a major gifts officer do?

A major gifts officer is responsible for cultivating and soliciting large donations from high-net-worth individuals 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 much should a major gift officer raise?

A major gifts officer is typically responsible for securing large donations, with the amount raised varying based on the organization and region. On average, they may aim to secure gifts ranging from $10,000 to several million dollars annually, often focusing on cultivating relationships and leveraging fundraising tools. Success depends on experience, network, and organizational goals.

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 strong communication and relationship-building skills.

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.

How does a Major Gifts Associate typically 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 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:
Major Gifts Associate jobs near you
Associate Director of Major Gifts

Associate Director of Major Gifts

Darden School of Business

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

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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