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Major Gifts Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IndyHumane

Major Gifts Officer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$68K - $89K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer serves as a key member of the IndyHumane Development Team and is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and growing relationships with major donors and ...

St. Catherine

Major Gifts Officer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$70K - $98K/yr

Position Information Position Title Major Gifts Officer Division Institutional Advancement Department/Office Gift Planning Position Summary Information Advertisement The Institutional Advancement ...

St. Catherine University

Major Gifts Officer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$70K - $98K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer raises commitments, major gifts, grants, and sponsorships at the $10K level and above, which contribute to the achievement of the University's major gifts goals each year. The ...

Washington County SPCA

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more. This position manages relationships with ...

SPCA of Wake County

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Major Gifts Officer manages a portfolio of approximately 125175 major-gift prospects and donors, developing personalized strategies that deepen relationships and inspire transformational ...

Lee University

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$55K - $72K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer is a newly created position at Lee University primarily responsible for fundraising for university priorities from current and prospective major gift donors. The Major Gifts ...

Saint Ignatius College Prep

Major Gifts Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Major Gifts Officer Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL Job Title: Major Gifts Officer Department: Development Office Reports To: Chief Development Officer FLSA Status: Exempt Employment Status ...

Wycliffe

Major Gifts Officer

Charleston, WV · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Job Title Major Gifts Officer Location United States of America Position Type Paid - Regular The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for building and managing meaningful relationships with donors to ...

Washington County SPCA

Major Gifts Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more. This position manages relationships with ...

Hubbard House, Inc

Major Gifts Officer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of approximately 75-125 individual donors and prospects, building and advancing relationships through identification, qualification, cultivation ...

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Major Gifts Officer information

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$46K

$83.5K

$115K

How much do major gifts officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for major gifts 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.

How to get a job as a major gifts officer?

To become a major gifts 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 also enhance prospects.

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

To thrive as a Major Gifts Officer, you need strong fundraising experience, relationship management skills, and a bachelor's degree (often in communications, business, or a related field). Familiarity with donor management databases, prospect research tools, and CRM systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication set top candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for cultivating and stewarding high-value donor relationships that drive an organization's philanthropic success.

What is a major gifts officer?

A major gifts officer works with prospective donors to obtain funds for an organization. As a major gifts officer, you work with other team members to plan fundraising goals. You also arrange meetings with donor prospects, so travel is a part of the job. You may act as a media contact as well, and write press releases and communicate with the public through social media. Your duties revolve around raising funds in large sums from wealthy donors, as opposed to traditional fundraising methods. Outstanding interpersonal skills are imperative, as you are essentially trying to sell your organization to the donor prospect. You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in communication, public relations, or a related field. Experience is essential, so look for an entry-level fundraising position before transitioning to more advanced roles in this career.

How does a major gifts officer typically collaborate with other fundraising team members?

A Major Gifts Officer works closely with colleagues such as annual giving staff, prospect researchers, and advancement leadership to coordinate donor cultivation and stewardship strategies. Regular team meetings and joint planning sessions ensure that fundraising efforts are aligned and that donor engagement is seamless across various campaigns. This collaborative environment helps the Major Gifts Officer identify potential major donors from existing supporters and ensures consistent communication with donors. Effective teamwork also allows for sharing insights, leveraging different expertise, and maximizing fundraising success.

What does a Major Gifts Officer make?

A Major Gifts Officer typically earns between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, organization size, and location. They often receive additional compensation through bonuses or commissions based on fundraising success and may require skills in relationship management and donor engagement.

What is a major gifts officer?

A Major Gifts Officer is a fundraising professional responsible for securing large donations for a nonprofit organization, typically from individuals, foundations, or corporations. They develop and manage relationships with major donors, create tailored fundraising strategies, and ensure that donors are engaged and informed about the impact of their contributions. Major Gifts Officers often work closely with senior leadership to identify fundraising goals and coordinate donor stewardship activities. Their work is essential to supporting the financial sustainability and mission of their organizations.

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

AspectMajor Gifts OfficerFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in donor relationsBachelor's degree, basic fundraising knowledge
Work EnvironmentDevelopment offices, donor meetingsEvent planning, outreach activities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, educational institutionsNonprofits, charities
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-value donor engagementSupporting fundraising efforts

The Major Gifts Officer focuses on cultivating relationships with high-net-worth donors to secure large donations, while the Fundraising Coordinator manages broader fundraising activities and events. Both roles are essential in nonprofit development but differ in scope and target donor engagement.

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Major Gifts Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Major Gifts Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,546 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Major Gifts Officer

Saint Ignatius College Prep

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Development/Major Gifts Officer
Date Posted:
7/10/2026
Location:
Saint Ignatius College Prep, Chicago, Illinois
Date Available:
Immediately
Major Gifts Officer
Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL
Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Department: Development Office
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: 12-month, Full-Time
Date Updated: July 10, 2026
Position Summary
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation and solicitation of major gifts ($50K+ over a 5-year period) from alumni, parents, and friends of the school in the Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin areas. The Major Gift Officer represents the Mission Statement of Saint Ignatius College Prep and its Jesuit Catholic values.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 175 major gift prospects.
  • Cultivate, solicit, steward, and close major gifts.
  • Represent the School at regional and campus events.
  • Partner with the Chief Development Officer on strategy and proposals.
  • Maintain donor records and reporting in Raiser's Edge NXT.
  • Collaborate across departments to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Scope and Impact
The Major Gift Officer plays a key role in advancing Saint Ignatius College Prep's mission by cultivating meaningful donor relationships and securing major philanthropic support. This position directly contributes to the School's strategic priorities, long-term sustainability, and commitment to Jesuit Catholic education.
Qualifications - Required
  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • Three to five (3 5) years of experience as a Gift Officer or in a related business development role.
  • Comfortable and effective in working with high-net-worth individuals.
  • Ability to develop strong rapport with leadership-level benefactors and their networks.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Raiser's Edge.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to achieve measurable goals and meet deadlines.
  • Positive attitude, sound judgment, and strong decision-making skills.
  • Comfortable interacting with diverse constituencies and the greater public.
  • Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.

Qualifications - Preferred
  • Experience in major gift fundraising within an educational, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.
  • Knowledge of Jesuit education and a commitment to the mission and values of Saint Ignatius College Prep.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strategic thinking.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Collaboration and sound judgment.
  • Public speaking and donor stewardship.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position requires flexibility to attend donor meetings, school events, and occasional evening and weekend activities, as well as regional travel to cultivate and steward donor relationships.
Compensation and Schedule
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
  • Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 annually.

Performance Expectations
  • Achieve fundraising goals.
  • Maintain accurate CRM records.
  • Demonstrate mission-centered collaboration.

Apply