Major Gift Officer

Reporting to the Executive Director of Executive Director of Major and Principal Gifts, the Major Gifts Officer will be a key member of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, responsible for securing major gifts in support of Merrimack College’s mission, strategic initiatives and campaign priorities. Managing a portfolio of approximately 150 prospective donors, the Major Gifts Officer will design and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies to secure gifts of $100,000 and above.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, donor-focused professional with a passion for building meaningful relationships and a strong commitment to advancing Merrimack’s Augustinian Catholic mission by creating transformational opportunities for students.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects, building strong relationships and soliciting major gifts.
• Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift prospects, successfully moving them through the qualification and cultivation processes to solicitation and stewardship.
• Meet defined goals for visits, asks and dollars raised.
• Utilize research, data analysis and other insights to inform the appropriate solicitation level and opportunity that is tailored to the prospects philanthropic goals.
• Collaborate with campus partners such as senior leadership, faculty and staff to support strong cultivation through stewardship strategies.
• Prepare written briefings, gift solicitation proposals and reports.
• Travel locally and nationally to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
• Follow all institutional processes for documenting activities, meetings and interactions in the College’s CRM.
• Attend College events including events hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations as well as athletic games and institutional events as needed.
• Contribute to a culture of philanthropy, transparency, and teamwork across the ODAR division.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of direct frontline fundraising experience, with a focus on major and planned gifts.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including alumni, students, parents, and institutional partners.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, establish credibility, and engage stakeholders at all levels—including senior leadership and executive-level alumni.
• Demonstrated success in independently developing and executing creative strategies and moving management plans to advance major gift prospects.
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and proactive—capable of thriving in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
• Technologically proficient, with strong skills in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license with an insurable driving record, maintained throughout employment.
• Prior experience in higher education fundraising strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape and enthusiasm for Merrimack’s mission and values.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Working Conditions

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to…