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Major Gifts Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Capital Public Radio

Major Gifts Officer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$83K - $90K/yr

Who we're looking for Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Donor Development, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible for executing donor engagement, cultivation and stewardship ...

CapRadio

Major Gifts Officer

Sacramento, CA

$83K - $90K/yr

Who we're looking for Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Donor Development, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is responsible for executing donor engagement, cultivation and stewardship ...

Galvanize USA

Associate Major Gifts Officer

Seattle, WA · Remote

$73K - $95K/yr

Associate Major Gifts Officer Location: Remote, with travel for cultivation and stewardship events Reports to: Director of Individual Giving Hours per week (average): 40 Overtime Status: Exempt Level ...

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$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:

Major Gifts Associate jobs near you

Director of Major Gifts

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Shenandoah University rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Shenandoah University's Office of Advancement is accepting applications for a Director of Major Gifts. This is a full-time, benefited position located in the Feltner Building in downtown Winchester, VA.
The Director of Major Gifts serves as the premier frontline "closer" and operational team manager for the frontline fundraising unit. This individual is responsible for personally managing a high-capacity portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, while simultaneously supervising, mentoring, and driving the metrics of junior development officers to maximize philanthropic pipelines across the university's academic and athletic verticals. This position is located in Winchester, Virginia, within the Office of University Advancement, Shenandoah University, and reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Advancement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Portfolio Ownership: Proactively qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a lean, high-capacity portfolio of 50-75 major and principal gift prospects (individuals, families, corporate partners, and foundations).
  • The"Closer"Function:Successfully build and execute tailored solicitation strategies to close major gifts at the $50,000 to $100,000+ tier, directly supporting capital initiatives, endowments, and the university's comprehensive campaign pillars.
  • Corporate&AcademicIntegration:Leverage the university's existing business, industry, and regional partnerships to convert workforce pathways, applied learning environments, and clinical collaborations into dedicated philanthropic major investments.
  • PersonnelSupervision:Directly manage, mentor, and coach the frontline development officers (including the Development Officer for Athletics & Health Sciences and the Development Officer for Parent Council & Health Sciences).
  • Metrics&PipelineGovernance:Establish, monitor, and enforce clear, quantifiable activity metrics for direct reports-specifically governing donor discovery visits, face-to-face asks, proposal submissions, and real-time data tracking within Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT.
  • GivingCircleScaling:Standardize the "Giving Circle" playbook university-wide. Oversee the replication of the highly successful Conservatory "Dean's Circle" framework into other underserved sectors, starting with the immediate architecture and deployment of the Health Sciences "Healing Circle".
  • CBETAdvisoryAlignment:Lead the strategic expansion and cultivation of the existing Business Advisory Board to integrate newly introduced "Engineering and Technology" alumni, unlocking high-capacity corporate and individual pipelines.
  • FacultyDisciplesRollout:Design, launch, and manage the training curriculum for the newly established "Development Disciples" program. Identify and prepare academic faculty members across all six schools to serve as authentic, storytelling partners during frontline donor visits.
  • Stewardship Integration: Partner directly with the Pipeline & Research Coordinator and the Executive Assistant to ensure that major gifts closed by the frontline fundraising team triggers immediate, high-touch stewardship actions executed by the Advancement Student Ambassadors.

Required Skills
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. A degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
  • 7-10 years of progressive, direct fundraising experience with a documented track record of successfully cultivating and closing individual major gifts, corporate contracts, or foundation investments at the $100,000+ level.
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of direct supervisory experience managing frontline employees or complex, multi-stakeholder project teams.
  • Demonstrated experience working fluently within sophisticated fundraising databases (Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT) and wealth screening analytics (e.g., DonorSearch).
  • Must be willing and structurally flexible enough to work frequent evenings and weekend hours.
  • Must pass a comprehensive State/Federal background check and possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

COMPETENCIES:
  • StrategicThinking&Execution- Ability to seamlessly connect business and industry needs with academic strengths, creating clear, donor-facing narratives that inspire philanthropic investment.
  • Elite Interpersonal Skills - A proven relationship-builder who approaches internal and external stakeholders with absolute tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
  • Unwavering Discretion & Integrity - Deep understanding of professional advancement ethics, donor privacy mandates, and strict confidentiality.
  • Mission Realization - Proactive professional who brings an authentic commitment to the university's strategic vision and values.

How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
**Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.
Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

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