Senior Major Gift Officer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Senior Major Gift Officer.

Position Details
Location	Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States
Division	Development Office
Position Type	Staff
Employment Status	Full Time
Grant Funded	No
Pay Grade	E14
Posting Close Date	Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and the contact information for three (3) references.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the
United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The
University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
The Senior
Major Gift Officer serves as a senior-level fundraiser responsible for
developing charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation.
This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors with
a focus on those capable of making principal-level gifts of $100,000 or more in
support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation
goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty,
staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals. This
position independently prioritizes goals set in consultation with supervisors
and assists Foundation management in the development and execution of the
fundraising plan for the organization.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors with a focus on principal gift prospects. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed. Works with Communications team to develop individualized proposals for high-level gifts and to properly publicize gifts in accordance with donor preferences. Works with Donor Engagement team to create individualized stewardship plans for high-level gifts as appropriate.
Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
Proactively stays informed about current events and trends in philanthropy and fundraising. Mentors Major Gift and Development Officers in their continued development and professional growth. Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.
Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sales
and/or Marketing, Business or other relevant degree program from an accredited
college or university from an accredited college or university and at least five
years of development or similar experience at a university or other comparable
organization, or equivalent professional experience in communications,
strategy, relationship building, project management and/or outside sales. A
valid MS driver’s license is required. Possesses significant experience and
displays sound knowledge of higher education fundraising processes and
procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.

Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
Reliable and punctual
Honest and cooperative
Professional and respectful
Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time
Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple university units
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence to specifications
Ability to understand, contextualize and organize complex information
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people in both oral and written forms
Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, build support and inspire confidence of all audiences and stakeholders
Ability to articulate alignment between university initiatives and organizational strategy
Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
Seeks opportunities for professional development
Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
Proficient in securing major gift donations and meeting individual metrics
Possesses general knowledge of planned giving
Proven ability to train and develop others

Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited college or university and/or holder of current Certified Fundraising Executive Certificate.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern
Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing
students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students
in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the
Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We
are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of
the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in
polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing
language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national
leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,
nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter
fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such
as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of
business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by
producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of
excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation
accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our
student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and
persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.