Major Gift Officer

Suffolk University, one of the area's leading universities and the only one situated in the center of Boston, seeks qualified candidates for a fundraising position as a Major Gift Officer (MGO). Founded in 1906, Suffolk University comprises three esteemed schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, Suffolk University Law School, and the Sawyer Business School. Suffolk’s 90,000 alumni are professionally successful and civically engaged, residing in Massachusetts, across the United States, and in over 150 countries.

MGOs play a critical role in advancing the institution's fundraising goals by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors. Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, MGOs will join a growing and seasoned frontline fundraising team focused on securing significant philanthropic investments to support the institution's priorities, programs, and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Personal Fundraising

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends capable of making philanthropic commitments of $50,000 or more, in support of Advancement’s short- and long-term fundraising priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of 125–175 major gift prospects, conducting 100–110 substantive donor visits annually to advance relationships and move prospects through the pipeline.
• Build and sustain long-term philanthropic partnerships by engaging donors and prospects in Suffolk’s mission and priorities, working closely with volunteers, deans, faculty, senior administrators, trustees, and the president.
• Collaborate across Advancement—including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, cohort engagement and fundraising, donor relations and stewardship, advancement communications, prospect research, and alumni engagement—to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to donor engagement and fundraising.
• Develop and execute annual portfolio strategies and individualized prospect plans, including activity goals, revenue projections, and timely progress updates to the Associate Vice President.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of donor engagement, strategy, and next steps in Suffolk’s CRM, Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Leverage data, analytics, and research tools to inform strategy, prioritize outreach, and drive portfolio performance.
• In partnership with the Vice President of Advancement and Associate Vice President, help design and implement strategies that ensure a cohesive and strategic donor experience across multiple stages of engagement and pipeline development.
• Contribute to a high-performing Advancement program by supporting continuous improvement efforts, strong prospect management practices, and a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of demonstrated success in major gift fundraising or relevant sales experience, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor relations, and philanthropic trends.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to developing and implementing the University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and goals.
• Candidates with alternative backgrounds in higher education, law, or business with entrepreneurial skills and an aptitude for fundraising will also be considered.
• Ability to present compelling and relevant cases for support through intellectual engagement supported by excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability to use a philanthropic and alumni relations database, such as Raiser’s Edge NXT, required.
• Ability to travel and work weekends and evenings, as assigned.
• Willingness to perform other duties, as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, retirement, and professional development opportunities.
• The Suffolk Advancement team is on a hybrid schedule—with three days in the office and two remote—per a formal schedule to ensure an office presence at all times. Suffolk University is a residential institution of higher education with students, faculty and staff on campus most of the school year. An in-office schedule achieves numerous important Advancement goals, among them heightened collaboration and opportunities to meet with colleagues both within Advancement and across campus. While much can be achieved via email and Zoom, in-person meetings as well as planned and unplanned informal and formal discussions contribute toward stronger relationships and collaboration that assists Advancement to achieve its goals and objectives. Due to the scheduling of events and donor visits, in-office days may need to change to ensure preparation and participation occurs efficiently and effectively.

Salary: $81,000.00 - $135,000.00