Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer – Saint Ignatius College Prep – Chicago, IL

Department: Development Office
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: 12‑month, Full‑Time
Date Updated: July 10, 2026

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.

• 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.

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.

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Three to five (35) 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.

• 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.

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

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.

• This is a full‑time, exempt position.
• Salary Range: $90,000 – $125,000 annually.

• Achieve fundraising goals.
• Maintain accurate CRM records.
• Demonstrate mission‑centered collaboration.