Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

The Office of University Advancement, which serves a diverse population of over 18,000 Chatham University alumni and friends, is seeking a Major Gift Officer to join our growing team. The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is a collaborative and experienced fundraising professional who will build and manage relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to secure major gifts in support of Chatham’s strategic priorities.

The MGO will work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer, President, academic leaders, and colleagues across the University to develop and implement strategies that grow philanthropic support and strengthen engagement with Chatham’s donor community.

This position offers the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule, with both remote and in-person work on a weekly basis. Travel is required for donor visits and University events.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 major gift prospects, with an emphasis on securing gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned prospects.
• Conduct a minimum of 100–125 meaningful donor visits annually, moving prospects through the giving pipeline.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and volunteers to identify giving opportunities that align donor interests with University priorities.
• Prepare proposals, gift agreements, and other written materials to support solicitations.
• Partner with Advancement colleagues in annual giving, planned giving, stewardship, and alumni engagement to ensure a coordinated donor experience.
• Support University events and programs that advance donor relationships and philanthropy.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor interactions and activity in the University’s Advancement database (Virtuous).
• Represent Chatham University in a professional and enthusiastic manner to internal and external audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, with demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and correspondence.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with donor databases (such as Virtuous) and Microsoft Office suite.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or advanced certification in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education or a complex nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in major gift fundraising, planned giving and donor engagement.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with a diverse range of stakeholders.

About Chatham University
Founded in 1869, Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its commitment to sustainability, leadership, and the advancement of women and gender equity. Through its three colleges, Chatham College, Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, and the School of Health Sciences—Chatham prepares students to meaningfully impact the world.

Salary Range:

$77,900 - $88,600. 40-hour work week.

Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience.

How to Apply:

Applications accepted only via Chatham Careers and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:

• Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

*All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.*

*Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.*

*Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.*